Through the Heart of Europe -- Part 8, Traben-Trarbach

After Trier we sailed back to Traben-Trarbach where we once again tied up along the bank through the night and much of the following day. Time enough for a leisurely stroll through the towns.

A kayaker out for his morning exercise.

A view of Trarbach from Traben.

Very aggressive waterfowl. There were a lot of different species constantly fighting over territorial rights on the river.

You see the strangest things looking out of European windows.

The center square

Crossing the bridge to Trarbach

Looking back at Traben from the bridge connecting the two towns.

There are a lot of representations of ravens sprinkled around the area. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is because the name Traben derives from an old Celtic word, "raven" which meant "small settlement".

And of course representations of waterfowl.

Just a nice staircase with some art deco features that I shot as we returned to the boat.

Then it was back on the boat and heading toward Bonn. On our way we passed what remains of the famous Bridge at Remagen.

Through the Heart of Europe -- Part 6, The Mosel River

After leaving Koblenz we sailed through the wind country along the Mosel River. Here we are passing the picturesque town of Cochem.

The Reichsburg Castle looms over Cochem. I was standing behind a double-paned glass window when I took this photo. It produced a ghost image that I think is kinda cool.

Past extensive vineyards.

The lovely town of Zell.

Hilltop villages.

Walking through the vineyards.

Approaching Traben-Trarbach

Grevenburg castle overlooking Traben-Trarbach

The Buddha Museum, built by a local convert to Buddhism.

The "River Harmony" -- our home during the tour.

We were tied up opposite these dramatic sandstone cliffs. They make for a nice picture.