Through the Woods and to the Lake

The days are getting warmer and we are riding a little farther away from home. New scenes are so welcome after riding the same paths zillions of times. I planned a route taking us southeast, an area that we haven’t explored very often.

Before leaving, a picture of neighbor’s laundry for the kodachrome challenge

We took our usual route through Buchendorf and proceeded through the forest, then some more woods, then Wangen, then some more paths through more forest, mostly commercial forest. We notice a lot of trees are being felled this year, and the heavy forestry vehicles make deep ruts where they drive to cut down the trees. They also make a lot of noise, but I didn’t think to make a video. The market for lumber in the U.S. is good these days and high prices are being paid, so much of what we see here will be exported. The forest here was a bit monotonous for cycling and the ground rough with a lot of stones.

Livening up the scene

The reward for enduring the bumpy ride on dirt paths was when the landscape opened up with rural scenes of farms, meadows and the Alps in the distance. It was too hazy for good views of the mountains, but the view would be worth coming back on another day.

Such a feeling of freedom when wide expanses come into view
We approach Münsing with its onion dome church, the Alps barely visible in the distance.

Then comes a long descent to Lake Starnberg. I hadn’t realized that we had gained so much altitude. Although the sun was shining bright, the air was cool and the ride down was a chilly one, reminding me that it is still April. But the dandelions and other little blossoms are out and the surroundings are looking cheerier. No leaves on the trees yet, though.

The lake, beautifully serene, reflected the puffy white clouds.
This cross in Lake Starnberg marks the spot where King Ludwig II (1845 – 1886) died under mysterious circumstances. Whether it was murder, suicide or an accident remains an unsolved mystery.
“Do you see yonder cloud…”
a king on his throne perhaps?

We followed the lake to Starnberg and were then on familiar territory for the rest of the ride home.

I'm a US born ex-pat, having lived most of my adult life in Munich, Germany. Cycling and photography are my favorite things.

8 response to "Through the Woods and to the Lake"

  1. By: gregblood Posted: April 23, 2021

    I don’t know how you got to the top of that tree trunk without climbing gear. Either you’re part squirrel, or you hired a helicopter to put you up there. All great photos.

    • By: Suzanne Posted: April 25, 2021

      Thanks everyone! My climbing skills are limited to Photoshop I’m afraid. I get dizzy just looking at that picture.

      • By: Lednar De Nalloh Posted: April 28, 2021

        That photo sure did suck me in…I thought a ladder at the back of the stump. Can’t believe all you see these days

  2. By: BobinVT Posted: April 23, 2021

    Wonderful photos, and it looks like it was a great ride. Always nice to hit some different territory after riding the same old routes frequently. I know what you mean about logging equipment really tearing things up. I’ve seen some of that firsthand when I’ve been out hiking.

  3. By: Rich-Illinois Posted: April 23, 2021

    Beautiful ride! Great photos!
    Good the weather is finally cooperating so enlarge the cycling possibilities.
    Im wondering about the tree trunk photo too — that could be a challenge even for Bill! 😉

  4. By: Scooter Posted: April 23, 2021

    Pretty impressive, shinnying up that snag! If you really wanted to wow us though, you should have had Janos up there too, standing on your shoulders.

  5. By: NancyG Posted: April 24, 2021

    Quite amazing feat that climb! You have succeeded in dazzling us. So nice that you can wander into some different areas to enjoy even more of your beautiful surroundings.

  6. By: Bill Stone Posted: April 24, 2021

    Mad King Ludwig, upon seeing you atop the tall stump, would have built for you an amazing castle!

Leave a Reply