SwissMinns

Innsbruck, Austria This was a driving trip from Switzerland, through Liechtenstein, to Innsbruck, Austria. It is a beautiful drive in all (3) countries.  We arrived on a Saturday afternoon.  These are photos of the old-town area: The city hall and tower were built in 1358 Imperial gardens Not sure what these guys were queued up to do next, but really looked cool in their historical uniforms: Our second day in Innsbruck, we hiked up to the Alpenzoo 2500ft.  From there we took a funicular (cable car) up to Hungerburg, 3000ft.  Then a gondola ride up to Seegrube, 6300ft.  There were clouds at about 6000ft, so we were right up against the 'ceiling'.  This was the view from Hungerberg We hiked mostly level with Seegrube, just below the clouds: A real Swiss hiker  The clouds were stuck and never cleared that afternoon.

Liechtenstein We had a weekend road-trip through Liechtenstein, to Innsbruck, Austria.  We stopped in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.  Liechtenstein is an extremely small country, 15 miles long, less than 8 miles wide.  Their population is under 40,000.  Vaduz is the location of the Vaduz Castle, current home of the head of state, Prince Hans-AdamII.  The castle can be viewed up close, but not open to public tour. It was a short hike up the mountain from Vaduz to the castle. The city of Vaduz is quaint and kind of touristy.  One interesting historical site is the Rotes Haus, which was built in 1338.  In the 1500's it was a monetary and the Abbey vineyard, until privately held since early 1800s.  Pictured below: We walked from Liechtenstein to Switzerland, across the Alte Rheinbruckle, covered wooden bridge, across the Rhine river.  Bridge built in 1901.  

Omaha Beach, Normandy France. Omaha Beach is one of two beach landings that the Americans had on D-Day, June6 1944.  40,000 men (infantry) landed at Omaha on D-day.  This is the monument that marks the landing location: We went to the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.  This memorial is operated by the USA, land donated from France.  There are over 9000 American WWII soldiers buried here.   The cemetery is on the bluff overlooking Omaha Beach: There are at least 300 unknown, American soldiers buried.  It was especially sad to see the inscription on their marker: There is the semi-circular wall around the Garden of the Missing.  The wall has over 1500 names of soldiers that were never found:

LeMont Saint Michel Built on an island off the north coast of France, Normandy area.  It has been a monastery since the 8th century.  Much of the structure was in place by the 12th century.  We visited at low tide and people could walk from shore to the island. This was the view of it, from about 2 miles away, in from our car: Below shows the trail we followed to walk out there: On the shore-side of the island, the village buildings have become tourist shops and restaurants, got that seagull in this photo! In the background of the photo below, you can see the 'pilgrims' making a journey from shore, across the bay.  Pretty easy that day.  Many days it is not possible or at least not advised.