Wednesday

We had a slow day - our first since arriving on April 21st. We wandered around the local town then walked around a nearby lake. When we were 3/4 of the way round the thunder started then the heavens opened. We were soaked and it was a good job we were not far from home so we could get changed.

These poles are in every town;

A fir tree is chosen, stripped of its branches save for the very top, decorated with wreathes and ribbons and installed as a maypole on 1st May. Locals are challenged to climb the pole (no climbing aids allowed) and take a ribbon to prove their skill. Neighbouring villagers traditionally try to steal the pole then demand food and drink before it is returned.

We have also noticed that many locals dress in traditional costume as a matter of course. We passed a builders merchant and the office lady was dressed in a dirndl.