The snow that fell in Germany and throughout Europe the week before Christmas was quite something. The initial snow storm dropped around 8 inches or so, making driving and walking around manageable. However two days later the second act arrived delivering another 6 inches in the span of a few hours on a Sunday afternoon that resulted in a fun-filled day of snow shoveling, if one considers shoveling snow "fun".
The recycle canister on the right was not disturbed from the intial snow storm while the one on the left reflects only the second act of the snow fall.
To help provide prospective, my glove measures in at 11 inches.
This is not the 'knee deep in powder' that I prefer. For those fellow skiers in the audience, yes, this was one of those times where every hill looked like a few good turns waiting to happen. I wonder how the local farmers would feel if they awoke one day and found 'S' turns carved into their snow-covered fields?
Andrea looking down our snow-covered street.
On Christmas morning we decided to take advantage of the historical storm by grabbing our snow shoes and explore the surrounding hills and forests. The combination of bitter cold (around 25 Fahrenheit or -4 Celsius) and clear skies made for a "refreshing" walk. Right away the views were worth the cold nose and cheeks.
A few minutes later and we were greeted by a flock of sheep enjoying their morning breakfast.
Andrea is of course all smiles. Snowshoeing in fresh powder and animals are some of her favorite things. This Christmas was out to a great start.
Looking back to our village on top of the ridge. It's amazing how quickly you can travel a far distance when you are having a great time.
More animals, only this time it is deer. The curious stares made me wonder: which has them more confused....our snow shoes or the fact that people are willingly out in this bitter cold? Probably both.
Heading into the woods and capturing one of the thousand picture-perfect views.
A short distance later and Andreas notes some peculiar tracks in the snow followed by a mysterious sound in the woods. I jokingly comment that perhaps it is a hungry wild Boar that is happy to see his breakfast walking through the woods. Not a smart comment to make when one of us has no interest in EVER seeing a wild Boar in the woods. So being the Mighty Mountain Man, I take the standard "look around".
First to the left.
Next to the right.
And finally behind us. Nothing spotted other than beautiful forest covered in fresh snow.
Heading out of the woods and looking through the trees to the valley below and hill on the other side.
We stopped to take in the view. Wow.
The blue skies was a welcomed sight and we enjoyed this break taking in the moment. Then again, Andrea might have been wondering why I failed to bring along the thermos filled with hot chocolate that would have been perfect at about this time. Oops.
Looking out to the village of Erdorf.
After climbing up the hill out of Erdorf, we stopped to catch our breath and enjoyed the first stages of what would be an amazing sunset.
Almost to our village and we stopped to say 'seasons greetings' to our "wild neighbors" the Sika Deer.
The next stage of the amazing sunset. This picture was taken on the hill just on the outside of our village.
Our village in sight and the promise of once again feeling our noses and faces motivates us to a faster pace.
We climbed the last hill, caught our breath, and thoroughly enjoyed the final acts of the amazing sunset.
This was our first Christmas in Germany, meaning it was the opportunity to begin new traditions. We had such an incredible time snowshoeing that I believe we have discovered a new tradition to be repeated for as long as we are here.....and maybe beyond that. After all, what is more peaceful and in the spirit of Christmas than spending time outdoors with sheep?
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