No, this post is not about Bavaria, but about the little slice of Bavaria nestled in the Cascade Mountains. I spent the 4th of July week in Leavenworth, Washington for a much-needed vacation. This one we took with my sister and her kids, sharing a VRBO and planning some group activities.
The first day was horseback riding. Everyone was interested in that one, and we had reserved the early morning spot so we were out on the mountain before the heat of the day hit. I have been on rides a few times before, and I love meeting the horses and having a relaxing ride along trails through the forest.
Horse selfie! I had to borrow my niece’s jeans because I packed last minute and forgot my own.
While the adults rode in the last three positions, my nephew and niece were toward the front with the guide. Our horses started to fall back from them a bit. We think it was because my niece’s horse had gas the entire time, so Duncan, my husband’s horse, stayed back a good horse length or more. Then we slowed down further because Splash at the back had to stop to pee so many times.
I love it, though. I find a ride through the woods relaxing because you are away from the stress of life. It is the same with the hike we did on the 4th, which was probably my highlight. Usually, my favorite part would have been the ziplining or rafting, because I love those fun, exciting activities. This year, I have enough thrill in my everyday life that I needed the away time.
We made it to the lake! There were actually two lakes on this hike, but the kids were getting tired, so we turned back at the first one.
As for the rafting and ziplining, the rafting was tame compared to my single prior experience. It was late in the season with the water running low and slow, but the ease was perfect for my nephew’s first time rafting. He now wants to go again with us in May. He is not fully processing how much rougher and colder it will be at that time of year, but we will likely not be going for at least another year or two.
Ziplining is always awesome and something we try to do on every vacation. Each location puts its own spin on the experience, and this one had a clever duck hunt. They had over 200 rubber ducks hidden along the course and gave the group a target of how many we needed to find to earn our stickers at the end. There was even a giant duch made out of floaties in a pond, and we had a contest of who could throw a little rubber duck inside of the floating duck as they zipped across. Only one of the guides made it, but I think I was the closest otherwise.
Along with activities, if you head to Leavenworth, you should make sure to check out a few of the Bavarian attractions. Andres Keller was my favorite German food during this trip. The schnitzel with spätzle was wonderful, and they had an accordion player there during dinner. For shops, the cheesemonger is not to be missed. They know their cheeses and have samples to try. Cured, the butcher, and the oil and vinegar shops are also top on our list. If you prefer sweets, there are a few chocolatiers along with handmade ice cream available.
We walked everywhere, and I probably still ate more calories than I should have. Regardless, I had a great time. The hot weather soaked into my bones, and I took some time to relax and have fun. Now, it’s back to work!
Before work, we did have D&D with a potluck dinner yesterday. But, NOW, it’s back to work.
Tiffany Shearn 
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