Post 258: 14 May 2018 Bavarian Sculpture Garden, Walk around Elbach
After the previous fantastic day visiting The Eagle’s Nest and Salzburg, I was on a high and woke fairly early before 6am. I was determined to make the best of the remaining time of my holiday and not miss any opportunities. I looked out of the bedroom window and I sensed it could be a good dawn and also I wanted to photograph some sculptures I had previously seen nearby. I headed to Lake Tegernsee which was within easy walking distance. The mist was up over the mountains and valleys hereabouts, which I love because each time it is seen, it is unique and transitory.
I then reached the sculpture garden set against an awesome backdrop:
They are by:
Translated it reads:
Please do not touch any sculptures.
Parents are liable for their children!”
I wondered how long they would last in England without them being damaged?
I ws enthralled with them and continued to find new angles locations, backgrounds and positions in order to photograph them. It took about an hour and a half and I was starting to get cold!
Some sculptor!
My focus then returned to the lake and surrounding area. Beautiful.
The town of Rottach-Egern could be seen below me. Painters, writers and composers used to flock here to be inspired by the vibrant, buzzing and cultural life of Rottach-Egern. I have written books and blogs, I paint and draw a little, but I fall down on the composing criteria!
Visitors from all over the world come to the promenade, Seestrasse, where they appreciate the lively and exclusive atmosphere around Malerwinkel, the hotspot of Rottach-Egern. It is even rumoured that some German national team footballers live in the area around the lake, former Russian leaders and other notable people and that Liverpool FC stay here.
I felt like I had won the lottery just to be able to spend 10 days in this area through the kindness of Victoria and her family. 
Now who could live in a house/castle like that? 
It was now time to return to my flat as I was on porridge duty and Victoria would be awakening soon. I would not be popular if I was late as she had a walk planned. Microwaves are ‘in short supply’ here and I would be using the traditional method of cooking in a saucepan with lots of stirring. Porridge with cinnamon and blueberries is essential for walks! 
We started the walk at the church in Elbach, which all I can say is somewhere in Bavaria!
Victoria seemed to know where she was and where she was going (without a map – a cardinal sin in Yorkshire and a guarantee to get lost) but there are excellent signs indicating where to go and how far it would take. I got a bit worried when I saw Durham was on the sign and it had no indication how far or how long it would take to get there. I estimated that as I had come from York it would take about a day with flights and trains to get to Durham! 
It was a warm day and Victoria accosted my rucksack to put some of her belongings in as she hadn’t brought one. Wear the old ones out first I say! She knew she had been such a good guide that she could get away with anything now………
We soon came across some lovely flowers and hay meadows. 
It was lovely, peaceful, rolling countryside far from the madding crowds. 
The calmness was interrupted when we stopped for lunch and I discovered Victoria had packed, amongst other things, what seemed to paper for lunch! At least they provide plenty of benches to sit on and bins for rubbish. 
We then came across a point to soak our feet, but we had passed it before Victoria explained its purpose. You don’t get that on the North York Moors – just bogs! 
There was suddenly an overpowering smell and I thought Victoria must have forgot to have a shower that morning. It turned out that the farmers had been putting manure on the fields.
The scenery and clear paths were a delight. 
Things got even better when we found the ultimate bench. Note the quick change into shorts as it got warmer. I could have stayed here forever. Again it beats a little mat on the North York Moors! 
But an ornate chapel and church, Wallfahrtskapelle Birkenstein at Fischbachau-Birkenstein, beckoned. 
It is off the tourist track and there is little information in English, in guide books or at the site. There is a Calvary scene with three crosses on the hill near the church. The church has an outdoors section and the main church is on the second story. No photographs are allowed. Downstairs there is a shop and another small chapel. Inside there are candles and a tomb with a statue of a male laid out on top.
A fascinating place off the beaten track.
Leaving the church we somehow managed to pass a highly recommended cafe (too soon after lunch) and passed an old fire engine. 
We were soon back in open peaceful countryside.
Soon the church we started from came into view indicating the end of the walk with some maps on noticeboards! 
A delightful walk away from the busier areas of Bavaria. Another gem by my guide.
I got a little confused here but I think Pretzels and homemade egg liquor cake appeared on our return to the flat.
Miles Walked 9
secretwalkscom 