Thursday, September 22, 2011

partnach G O R G E

It was our last day in Garmisch. We ate our breakfast, checked out of the hotel and made the short drive over to the Partnach Gorge. Another friend said it was a yet another must-see spot.

Much to our surprise, the parking area for those hiking up the gorge happened to be the Olympic Ski Stadium. Kind of a two-for-the-price-of-one morning.
The ski jumps were amazing. Ginormous- if that's even a word.
Watching the ski jumpers in the Olympics- no doubt, they look like they're up there. Seeing the jumps from the bottom made it even more spectacular.

I can't imagine the rush they feel taking off. I can't imagine the injuries with a botched landing. They have to be fearless. 

We started to all head up the trail, then realized the little guys were a bit worn out. Jim and I stayed back with them while Mac, Starr and the big guys hiked up to the top. It really worked out great.

We took in the stadium, threw a few rocks in the creek and soaked up some sun.


Another amazing day of perfect weather.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the host of the 1936 Olympics and while this ski jump has definitely been modernized, it was cool to walk around knowing history was made right here. It was a little eerie realizing that Hitler opened these Olympic games and was likely in attendance at the events back then.
It would be super exciting to make it back for a winter ski-jump competition. Maybe we will.

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