Bastogne, Belgium, 10/9-10/08

We took a WWII Battle of the Bulge/Battle of the Ardennes themed tour to Bastogne and surrounding areas. 14,000 Americans were surrounded by 40,000 Germans. The battle lasted a little over a month. Turning point of the war.

The area is beautiful. The leaves were turning--beautiful.

American Sherman Tank in center square of Bastogne.
Aren't my guys handsome!

On top of the Battle of the Bulge historical center. This memorial was built in the shape of a star. All the units involved in the battle were displayed as well as all the 50 states were commemorated.
Nic and Ben commanding a Sherman Tank Ben goes for a night ride!
WWII Willies Jeep...watch out Nic your going to hit that car!
Ben living the moment :)

American General McAuliffe. When demanded to surrender, his answer was "Nut's".

Bastogne Museum-artifacts found over the years from the battle

They have these American tank turrets placed around the city where major battles took place

WWII's biggest baddest tank--German King Tiger II--

You can still see where a bullet lodged in the tank.
It's got Stacks! :)
Malmandy Massacre. The SS advanced guard massacred 80 American Soldiers here.

Henri Chapel American Cemetary Memorial in Belgium. 7998 buried, 473 unkown American Soldiers buried here. This is owned and maintained by the US Governement, was a very sacred feeling here, peaceful and quiet.

We had a bite to eat before heading home. The countryside was beautiful.

Triberg, Germany, 09/20/08

Triberg is in the Black Forest and known for the thousands of cuckcoo clocks. The largest cuckoo clock in the world and the highest waterfall in Germany. The town is in the mountains and fun shopping and eating. We were told to try the Black Forest cake. We all had some bites until we looked at each other with a "what's that middle layer got in it" expression. Unknown to us the middle layer was soaked in sherri.

Nic just waking up from a nap in a hallow log...just kidding.

World's largest cuckcoo clock.

Hirschhorn, Germany, 08/30/08

This was a fun ride. We came upon Hirschhorn Castle. There were no restrictions. It was open to the public. We walked up to the top of the tower, which overlooked the valley and the Neckar River. Beautiful! This is a lock. We were there when a large barge was going up river and was able to watch from the top of the tower go thru the locks. Steve in the tower.

Nic & Ben High Adventure, Swiss Alps, 08/21-23/08

Nic and Ben went on a High Adventure with the Ward. They hiked for 2 days. They had a great time. (more info to follow)

They stayed for 2 nights and stayed in huts.