Finally biked the Bodensee

More rain was forecast for today so we decided to hit the Appenzell Museum in the morning and see what the weather does later in the day. This museum as in most others shows the cultural history of the canton with articles collected since 1879.  We were given an English translation of the articles in the various rooms but it was difficult to follow with 4 floors at least of artifacts.  What interested us most was the videos in several locations showing present day life in the city and on the farm.  We were surprised that most all depictions of early farms and town activities showed only goats - no cows as are seen today.  There were many paintings on furniture and walls showing early life in the alps.  It was interesting but not being able to read the labels and explanations was a hindrance.

Bodensee - clouds not mountains on the far shore

Around 10:30 we decided to drive to the Bodensee about 45 min. north.  One of our objectives this trip was to ride our bikes along the Bodensee but we figured if it was still raining there at least we could walk.  We picked the little town of Kesswil midway along the south shore and found a Parkplatz for the car.

Along the south shore near Kesswil CH

On the way there we drove through an area much like Niagara-On-The-Lake - many apple orchards with dwarf trees staked up to hold the weight of the apples presumably. Most were covered with nets too.

As with most lakes I suppose, the closest we could get was the road that served the cottages stretched all along.  We did walk for an hour or so then the weather cleared somewhat so we decided to unload the bikes and ride.

We made it to the Bodensee

 We went in both directions as far as we could without having to ride on the main streets then headed back to the car and chose another town - Romanshorn about 20 km east.

Laneway to a cottage - lake in background

We parked and decided to walk just heading out to the lake along the shoreline.  Walked past a marina and out to a point with a full view of the lake.  Guess it was too windy today only one fellow was bringing his boat in.  Stopped to admire an old castle and several early churches nearby.  On our way back to the car it had just started to rain a bit.  All in all we spent at least 3 hours along the shore - better than sitting at "home" waiting for the rain to stop.  Woot-woot -   sunshine is forecast for tomorrow.

Bodensee

Bodensee at Romanshorn CH

Huge old trees along the shore

Old trees along the shoreline

After supper we walked the road up behind the farm here on the way up to the highest point - didn't quite make it to the cross at the top but it was a great view down over the Appenzell valley as darkness fell over the town.