Golden Spike National Historic Park, Utah

 

I certainly did not know what to expect when we recently visited the Golden Spike National Historic Park in Northern Utah. I had no idea that there would be working replicas of the original railroad locomotives. As it turns out, some of Utah's most unique surprises are waiting out in the huge west desert. If you don't know, this is site of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad which was officially celebrated on May 10th, 1869. The Park includes these full-scale reprical locomotives and an interesting visitors center that has a nice museum. 

Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany

 

It was a warm day with little shade. We visited the huge Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, Germany. Our own tour was limited to the outside of the palace and the lovely surrounding park. Here is a short explanation of the palace from Wikipedia: Nymphenburg Palace.

The Nymphenburg Palace (German: Schloss Nymphenburg, Palace of the Nymphs) is a Baroque palace situated in Munich's western district Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, in Bavaria, southern Germany. Combined with the adjacent Nymphenburg Palace Park it constitutes one of the premier royal palaces of Europe. Its frontal width of 632 m (2,073 ft) (north–south axis) even surpasses Versailles Palace. The Nymphenburg served as the main summer residence for the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach.

 

Hohenschwangau the Castle on a hill, Bavaria

 

This is probably one of the more dramatic views in Europe. Although Hohenschwangau Castle is not as well-known as it close neighbor, Neuschwanstein Castle, the surrounding mountains are a dramatic background to the "High Swan Castle" when viewed from the high mountain overlook. Quoting the Hohenschwangau website:

Hohenschwangau Castle was mentioned the first time in records of the 12th century.

Until the 16th century its owners were the knights of Schwangau. During the following time it changed hands a couple of times and was partially destroyed during different wars.

In 1832 the later King Maximilian II., father of King Ludwig II., acquired the ruin and had the castle rebuilt according to original plans. After its completion it used to be the summer and hunting residence of the Bavarian royal family. In his whole life, the famous Bavarian King Ludwig II. spent a few weeks each summer in Hohenschwangau.

Since 1923 the Wilttelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds owns Hohenschwangau Castle.

St. Coloman Church in the Valley

 

Quoting from Wikipedia: St Coloman (Schwangau):

The baroque Colomanskirche is located near Schwangau in Bavaria. It was created in its current form in the 17th century on a previous building that was built in honor of Saint Koloman. The Irish pilgrim is said to have rested here in the summer of 1012 on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Due to its location at the foot of the Schwangau mountains and its proximity to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the church is one of the most famous sights in Bavaria.

 

Growing on a Rock

 This is an amazing variety of plants growing on this small outcrop. Interestingly, except for the differences in rainfall, my experience in the desert illustrates the same diversity of plants however they are not so obviously green. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria

 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria is really two separate towns that have grown together. The old town of Partenkirchen dates back to 15 A.D. The towns are in the valley and at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze (2962 m). Since we live on the side of a mountain at about 1500 meters (5000 feet) we appreciate the ruggedness and beauty of the mountains. 

Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria

 This was our second visit to Hohenschwangau and was not particularly planned. We did have a nice time viewing the castles and walking through the lovely Bavarian forest. 

Bavarian Mountain Stream

Utah and Arizona have spectacular landscapes but when it comes to a very wet environment, the Bavarian Alps win hands down. I know there are a lot of waterfalls in both Arizona and Utah, but two days ago, I passed this one for the second time. The bonus is the small waterfall near the top of the image. 

Salzburg, Austria

 Coming out of the pandemic, we are back traveling. This is Salzburg, Austria. We had a short visit here and loved the views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill above the town. There are quite a few churches in this old section of the town. 

The Forest Where We Live

 

Essentially, we live right next to the forest. Except for one road crossing, this stretch of trees connects right to the national forest. We have a whole herd of deer that live in our front yard and in our neighbors' yards. We can only plant what the deer won't eat. However, the advantage is that we don't have go anywhere to see the trees and deer. 

Kofa Mountains, Western Arizona

 

The dramatic Kofa Mountains of western Arizona are relatively unknown aside from being visible from the heavily winter gathering place of Quartzite. The mountains are also the home of the Palm Canyon, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. This is the last place in Arizona where the native California palm trees grow. The palm trees are in a narrow canyon. There is a short hike to a viewpoint but entering the canyon is a major challenge. 

Butterfly on a Branch

 Butterflies are a joy to behold. They are not so common here in the mountains of Utah as they are in other locations, but we enjoy them when we see them. There are several places, even here in Utah Valley, where you can see them in captivity in large climate-controlled enclosures. This one was at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona

 

This is Phoenix, Arizona's icon Camelback Mountain. For a couple of years, I lived just south of the mountain and spent time climbing the cliffs on what is known as the Head. We have also climbed to the top quite a few times. It is a popular destination in the Winter but is less frequently visited in the Summer for obvious reasons.