Walkingshaws Part 3

We checked out of our hotel in Bacharach, leaving for the small town of Cochem located in the Mosel Valley. On our way to Cochem we stopped in St. Goar to check out.... a castle! We had actually visited St. Goar on the river cruise, the town was cute but nothing super special. It was mostly a lot of tourist shops so we did not linger long, but the castle did catch our attention and so here we are.

The castle was really a bunch of ruins, or 'wreckage' as Cindy would say. Most castles on the Rhine were conquered by Napolean and damaged. This was a nice castle to visit because you could wander around and explore- and it was huge!

Always up high, this one we were able to drive to.

Giant cellar.

Nice view of a small valley behind the castle.

This is named 'Gortz Platz'. Our cat Gort likes to watch people 

with half his face hidden; Eric is demonstrating.

Lots of tunnels to explore!

Many of the tunnels lead you to this grassy area.

It's not a floating head- it's Eric!

We saw a sign pointing to the 'Mining Tunnel' so we went inside and came to this very dark staircase. There was some debate about whether we should go down or not- curiosity won and we carefully descended. Another great example of things that would not be allowed in the US. Super narrow uneven stairs, wobbly hand rail and no light. I went first using the flashlight option on my cell phone, Eric was last doing the same with his phone.

When we reached the bottom this is literally all you could see. I even hit my head on 

the ceiling so everyone had to bend over to proceed.

After coming out of this dark, creepy tunnel we were exactly where we had started!
Eric and Dale are looking confused by the Mining Tunnel sign.

We were at this castle for several hours. There was even time to take a nap!

After the castle we grabbed some lunch at a little bakery. Here is my Hase cookie!

We drove about 2 hours to Cochem and checked in at the Bed and Breakfast. This is the view of the building from behind (with our rental car front and center). Eric and I had the room with the arched window at the top.

View from outside our window.

A nice bright room, although the 'free Wifi' didn't really exist...

Eric and I went into town to check things out and we decided to get Eric a haircut. 

(It is what he does- most of his haircuts happen on vacation).

Before.

During.

After!

Outside the hair salon.

For dinner we ended up eating at this great place that butchers their own meat. Because of this everyone ordered things that featured meat. It was very good but I also felt like I had eaten my meat quota for the week.

Only one castle today but it was a big one! What will the future hold? I know- castles!