Seeing these pictures, both of us are bitten by the vacation bug. Living in Bavaria as we did, we took many things for granted as many people do who live around Niagara Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. There are many things we should have done and didn't because we thought we have all the time in the world and then we were sent back to Canada. Definitely we walked a lot and we you see the above scenery you understand why. Now, we keep saying "What if, what if?"
Well, if you have the chance please enjoy it for us as well.

If the day is clear, you will have a magnificent view down to the country side. Not only is the ride exciting and the mountain scenery splendid, the gondola ride is an unforgettable event.
The small community of Kochel am See has a population slightly over 4000. But it is not only blessed with beautiful surroundings including Lake Kochel and the Walchensee, it is also the home of a famous Alpine spa, called "Trimini". Everybody told us, how beautiful it is with its heated pools, the high speed water slides, the sauna and the fun available to all members of your family, regardless of age.

Elizabeth is not "too old" to try everything and would have, but unfortunately, we postponed our visit to the "Trimini" until it was too late.
We also were not able to visit the "Franz-Marc-Museum". Kochel was an important station in the life of this well known painter. Unfortunately, he lost his life in World War I.
A charitable foundation established a museum to honor Franz Marc, his father Wilhelm Marc and friends which displays some of their paintings, sculptures and graphics.
Kochel has a long history. Originally it was built around a convent which was destroyed by enemies in the mid 10 th century.
By the end of the 15 th century the "Kesselbergstraße" was built to improve trade and mining. Unfortunately, the road was also utilized for wartime purposes.
Today the "Kesselbergstraße" is an attraction for every tourist and for bikers. None of them can suppress the urge to drive it a few times to practice and test their skills. Because of many accidents many restrictions have been implemented for bikers.
Whenever you hear about the "Schmied von Kochel", please be aware that he was a real person. He was a blacksmith who joined an upraising of farmers and was killed in 1705.
You will find a monument dedicated to this hero in the village.

Don't pass up the opportunity to visit the "Walchensee" (a lake) and learn about the power plant, built in 1924. Water stored in the Walchensee drives turbines and generators at peak times. At night when the demand for electrical power is less, water is be pumped back for the production of electrical power on the next day.
The "Walchensee" is also a paradise for wind surfers, even when the water is pretty cold.

These pictures show you a little of the scenery which you will encounter while walking or cross country skiing.
In Germany the countryside is open to everyone. People are thought at an early age to respect the environment. The fields and forests are not fenced in (unless to protect small areas from the deer) but it is expected that you stay away from planted fields and always respect signs that indicate endangered species of flora and fauna.
Being a registered nurse Elizabeth learned about the German health care system when we lived there. I think it is the opposite of the Canadian one. In Canada you don't pay too much into it, in Germany you pay too much in it. That are the reasons why both systems are abused. On the other side education is free in Germany but not in Canada.
Nevertheless, she was impressed with the fact that there is so much emphasis on the prevention of illness and proper recovery.
To go on a "Kur" is very popular and many towns and villages have the environment and the facilities to have the word "Bad" in front of the name. "Bad" doesn't mean "bad" it indicates that the village or town is recognized for its health treatment facilities which are properly staffed with doctors, nurses and therapists. For German citizens, such a treatment is normally free or only for a nominal charge. When you are still working you take a paid sick leave.
Since we are no longer in Germany, we realize how much we both missed a especially with our increasingly arthritic old bones.
Bad Tölz offers a variety of treatments when you have problems with your: heart, respiratory tract, joints, rheumatism, etc.