Heppenheim - Starkenburg Ruins

On Saturday afternoon (March 12) the weather was beautiful and the sun was shining! We drove to the town of Heppenheim which has a quaint Altstadt with all sorts of old half-timbered buildings. The square was neat. You just wanted to sit down at a cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Note the castle ruins up on the hill (on the last picture). We are heading there next!

We drove most of the way up the hill, but then had to walk/hike up the rest of the way. The view of the town - and the Church of St. Peter. The kids infront of the Starkenburg Ruins.

Shane protecting his castle from invaders. Looking down on the tower that Shane was in.

The taller tower had an amazing view. A quaint village in the hills to the east - and to the west the Rhine River Valley. I don't think I will ever get tired of being able to see for miles and miles (kilometers and kilometers).

Part of these castle ruins have been turned into a Youth Hostel. Oh to have backpacked across Europe and slept in castles in our younger years....I prefer my own bed these days...that must be due to having 4 kids!

Shaylee and Sydney climbing up the steps in one of the towers - Shane and Sydney at the top.


THE HUGGING TREE -

On our way back down - we came across this tree that had two limbs from the back circling around the main trunk as if it were hugging itself. It was really odd - but very neat. I just had to take a picture to share a hug with each of you! And here is a typical picture of us strolling around. Daddy just happened to let go of the stroller briefly - Shane and Syd quickly grab on - as they don't want their siblings to go too fast down the hill. Meanwhile Shaylee in the stroller is laughing and saying "again daddy, again"!