Before we post, before a single picture, we must say that today was probably THE most incredible day we have ever had on tour.  The PINNACLE -Düsseldorf and Köln and everything in between – Recommend it Highly.   There are so many things to share, we hope to do the day justice.

One Note:  since there are a LOT of pictures on today’s post, you can see them all larger  by clicking on one and follow the arrow on the right….Enjoy!
First, we would return to the Hotel Cascade in Düsseldorf if for no other reason than the breakfast.  When we checked in last night, the clerk mentioned they had a ‘very good breakfast’ – they have an Incredible breakfast and beautiful room with windows to the garden.

Besides the usual abundant fare of meats, cheeses and breads, there were several different homemade jams, caprese, eggs, bacon and sausage, several fruits, yogurts (several varieties).  One cannot eat all the choices in one sitting – and I’m not a breakfast person……just incredible.
Okay, then we venture out into an overcast, cold, windy day that could not be more perfect.  The wind we faced yesterday in our face, had turned quite blustery, but it was now at our back – it was a glorious day.  By all estimations we had a 70 kilometer ride ahead of us which was very unfortunate given our very late start.  We’ll skip the excuses, but we were advised by our German tour guide (insert a big fancy word that neither or us can remember) but our dear Vatti recommended we visit the  Konigs Alee Strasse before we left Dusseldorf.  O.M.G. Rodeo Drive has NOTHING on this place.

Everything you could possibly want to buy, that costs WAY more than we could possibly afford, could be found here.  The only actual shopping we did was for our computer and imagine the grumps we found.

We had to get some money exchanged so we stopped at a couple of banks.  The first could not help, so they sent us to Deutshe Bank.  I felt like the little children in Mary Poppins going into their father’s bank, it was massive and incredible.  Luckily, I was not chased out and was able to complete my transaction, but the experience was worth whatever the outcome.

Dusseldorf also has some incredible architecture, old and new;  you could spend a week in this town and not do or see it all.

Somehow, with the wind at your back the trails become better.  In reality, we really did have beautiful paths along the Rhein.

Shortly before our destination we came into a very industrial area that didn’t register on our maps, nor were there good bike signs.   As we sat trying to figure out which way to go, a biker rides by and somehow, Jerry assumed that we should follow the gentleman.  He rides up beside him and starts asking directions; rather hysterical, Jerry speaking German (in English) to a German that speaks NO English.

It was an Excellent decision, though.  He lead us through areas that would have taken us hours to navigate, the most of which was a Ford plant so large it had three individual train stops.  About the time the gentlemen got us into town, a beautiful young lady, Alex (who does speak English), lead us into town and gave us the ‘where we were’ story.

Stopping at tourist information, we were informed there was a HUGE “fair” in town and rooms were scarce.  Luckily, we found one, right on the Rhein

with outside restaurants and cafes everywhere.

We quickly checked in as we had to see the Köln Dom/Cologne Cathedral before it got too late.  To learn more about this Cathedral that began construction in 1248 AD Click Here, incredible history.

On our stroll back to the hotel, we soon discovered what ‘fair” was in town……..a Wein Fair……..that means WINE in English……..and it lasts for 10 days, TODAY being the first day.  Wine and food and people enjoying themselves everywhere,

MOST incredible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So if our Spot tracker does not change for several days, you will know why.  The following are just a few of the pictures to capture our evening before we finally tore ourselves away to go to bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BEST red wine either of us have ever had; and we may hit the vineyard on our way south.

Can’t say das kinder were enjoying the wine festival, but the parents certainly knew how to keep them entertained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gutte Nacht!