Return to The Alps photos

These pictures are not actually from the Austrian Alps, but from the Alps in Bavaria--the southernmost portion of Germany which extends into Austrian territory. Bavaria was historically independent, and for many years has been a distinct part, almost state, of Germany. Bavarians commonly do not refer to themselves as German (or Austrian) but as Bavarians. It is a long and proud, if somewhat confusing, history.

Our half-day group tour trip to Bavaria was to visit the salt mines which made Salzburg famous and prosperous, and to visit Berchtesgaden, the small town made famous by Hitler in the 1930s and 1940s. For the younger set: Berchtesgaden became a household word during World War II because Hitler, who was Bavarian, chose it as his retreat center. He built the Eagle's Nest on a nearby peak and installed there a fortress headquarters and hideaway where he spent a great deal of time during the war. It was here that the unsuccessful assassination/ coup was attempted. Trust us that the Eagle's Nest really is at the summit of the peak shown in the picture. That's as close as we could get!

Don's outfit is NOT the latest in Bavarian high fashion; it is the suit worn by all tourists as they go into the salt mines--allegedly to protect clothing and to allow us to slide down the polished wooden chutes used by miners to lower levels. They were probably more of a tourist gimmick, since the mine tour was as clean as a visit to Carlsbad Caverns or Mammoth Cave. But it was fascinating.

The town of Berchtesgaden (picture) is a postcard-picture town, particularly as it was snowing lightly while we were there--only long enough to have Sachertorte and coffee, and to visit the cemetery. We noticed later that the person memorialized is named Karl Reiner. It is NOT the famous comic writer/comedian; pure coincidence!

Our pictures of the Alps do not come close to doing them justice, of course. If you want GOOD pictures, go to the library or bookstore! But neither will have pictures of Jerry and Don, so why bother?