Visit to Pottenstien

Yesterday Kyle and I went to a little village called Pottenstien. It is a little over an hour drive from our home. We went to check out the Teufelshohle Cave (Devil's Cave). This cave has been part of legends and folklore around our area for centuries. Inside the cave they have found prehistoric animals including bears, and a mammoth. We really had a good time. We were told that their would be an English tour via a speaker system. I thought it would be one of those things that you put up to your ear and listened to, not to disturb anyone. But when we arrived at out tour, it was all in German, I asked the guide about English and she instructed us that she would play the English version for us after she did the German part and we would just meet them in the next room. So our English tour came on the loud speaker and echoed throughout the cave, it was like..."HELLO...American's are here!" It didn't exactly say that, but it might as well have.
After the cave we got a chance to ride the alpine coaster and the toboggan run. They were so much fun. Kyle and I rode together hoping that the weight of the two of us would make us go faster. It helped alot, we always seemed to be catching up to the people in front of us, at which point we would have to slow down so we didn't run into them. Once you get in your coasterbob you get pulled up to the top of the mountain, then at the top you get to control how fast you go and at any point you can hit your breaks. We used our breaks as little as possible, at times I was sure we were going to go flying off the tracks.I have included a video that shows both the coaster and tobaggan ride down. I have also posted a few pictures from the cave. Enjoy!

My 25th Birthday

Today was my 25th birthday. It is nice to have Kyle home to celebrate it with. He really worked hard to make it a special day for me. After church I got to take a nap...which I love, a Sunday afternoon nap, nothing quite compares to that. He wanted to take me out to the lake for a picnic but due to the weather we had to have the picnic inside. He even put down a quilt with blankets over it so it would feel more like grass.
So tonight, he blew me away with his baking and cooking skills. I must say I was a little leary when I heard him say..."Hmm...I think cake needs butter."
He cooked me a dinner of teriyaki burgers w/ a side of pineapple and cheese {interesting sides, but good none the less.) He also wasn't sure what I would want to drink, so he placed in front of me every drink we had in the refrigerator. I had my choice of cream soda, fresca, chai tea, and a mocha frappacino. He wanted me to drink them all, but there was no way. He then made me my birthday cake and decorated it with marshmellows. He had the kitchen door closed when he was decorating the cake, and I was preparing myself for the worst to come out of the kitchen. There was a lot of noise coming from inside. Apparently I don't give him enough credit because I thought the cake was really cute and he even sang happy birthday to me. Kyle did a great job and I really loved everything he did for me. This was the first time he has ever cooked anything besides macaroni and cheese with brats in it for me, so I am really impressed (I told him he secret was out that he can cook). Thanks for making my birthday special Kyle!
I have included some pictures from our "picnic" for all of you.

1 Tick + 2 raw Ankles + 3 Blisters + 4 sore legs = Hiking 95 km in Austria

We returned from our hiking trip to Austria this past Wednesday. We had a great time and overall really enjoyed ourselves. Austria was beautiful and waking up each morning surronded my the beautiful alps was breath taking. For now I am just going to post one picture from each hiking day. We have a lot to sort through, hopefully soon, I can go through them all and get started with a scarpbook.
Kyle has a about 2 more weeks off then it is back to work for him. I have a dentist appointment both Monday and Tuesday then it is back to work for me on Wednesday. Luckily the school is just across ths street, so we won't be to far away from each other.
I hope the rest of your are enjoying you last few weeks of summer!

95 km. Here we come!

It is official. Kyle and I will be hiking 95 km in Austria starting this Wednesday. The Austria Travel Bureau started this program called "Hiking without luggage." We will be doing a self guided hike for 95 km over a period of 7 days. We will start in Salzburg and travel to villages throughout the alps. Kyle's block leave starts on Monday so we will probably take off Tuesday to drive to Austria.
Also over his leave we are hoping to go on a whitewater and canyoning trip (this will depend on my work schedule). It sounds like fun.
I am sure I will post pictures once we return. We are really excited and super happy that someone else will be transporting out luggage to each stop for the day. That will make things nice and much easier!