Adventures in Europe, Part III

Yesterday, IES took us hiking up Schauinsland, one of the higher (highest?) peaks in the Schwartzwald (Black Forest). I was a little disappointed at first because of the plan to take the cable car up then hike down. However, the cable car ride was really cool- I think it took about a half-hour to get all the way up. We passed some wind turbines on the way. I have to say, I really admire Germany’s environmentalism. Everywhere you see solar panels and wind turbines. If Germany can make renewable energy work with less sun and wind than the US, I think we have no excuse.

In any case, I was wrong about the hike being easy simply because it was downhill the entire way. It took nearly four hours for us to get down, and I definitely felt it going downstairs the next day. The hike felt almost mystical at parts. It’s called the Black Forest because it can get really dark because the trees are so close together. There were also several wood carvings of creatures that seem to have come out of the Lord of the Rings, and the ant hills came up to your waist (no joke!) Still no pictures though. I’m not sure why nothing I have seems to be working, but if I have to wait until I get home to post, I’m going to be angry (and a little overwhelmed).