Day 6

Saturday 23 May 2009

Having discovered that there was a lot to do in the area we had to decide what we would do and what we would miss out. In the end we decided that we would venture into the Black Forest and visit Germany's tallest waterfall at Triberg. It was a beautiful drive through German villages and then a climb into the forest with panoramic views of the valleys below. We had just put Triberg into the SatNav and drove past a sign for the falls so a quick turnaround and we managed to find a parking space as someone pulled out. The entrance to the falls was through an arch and down an extremely steep slope (which meant we would have to climb back up it at the end!) We were a bit confused how we were going to get to the waterfall if we were going down a hill as we assumed that we must climb to see the falls. As we walked down the river and what turned out to be the top end of the falls rambled along beside us. We then arrived at a booth and had to pay to get in to see the 'proper' falls. As we descended we had a choice of routes but the kids chose the one that went past the play area. We went past one section of waterfall and took some photos and then the walk went away from the falls as we descended into the valley and to the play area for a pit stop to top up with water and have a play. We then carried on the route which took us through Triberg and through the main entrance to the falls. We then were faced with the climb back to the top and to the car park. They estimated 45mins to the kiosk and then we had to climb as far again to get to the top car park and the car. As we climbed we passed more of the waterfall and then we carried on to the top and the top car park. We did the whole climb in 45mins so half the time they suggested and I was very proud of the boys for their determination to reach the top. Even little Alex did it without moaning. By the time we reached the top we were roasting as it was a hot day anyway (25 degrees at a guess) and the exhertion made us all red hot! We desperately needed fuel and some ice creams were in order too so we plumbed in the nearest garage for a little detour on the way home. Once back at home after tea we decided Alex needed an early night (relatively 8pm rather than 10pm!) so put him to bed and settled down to the next round of cards.