Hallo

[sevenslats]

That's German for Hello.

I'm sitting in Billetting in Ramstein since SATO is closed for MLK day. Can't find a way to get to Spangdahlem yet. It's rough.
Post up your shopping lists. Tuesday I should have a rental car, and I'll get you what you need!

[4x4_MMMH_4x4]

Rammstein??? Du Hast??? jk jk, if you can get your hands on an automatic weapon for me id be ever so gratefu jk hahal 8) hope you get a rental car and stay well and most importantly have fun...

[naturalbornmudder]

drink Bittberg, go to the BX on Ramstein and buy their 4 dollar steak sandwiches with onions and green peppers grilled. The used to be hiking paths on the other side of the road fromt he burger king that looked pretty cool if you are fiending to get out and have something to do.
The movie theater, BX, and commisary are all close ot each other and the food court and BX are big so that could keep you entertained for an hour or 2 as well.

Take care. Post pics of Spang once you get there.

[rds4x4]

if your just going to Spang why not just drive? You can be there in a hour or so.

[crazy4ink]

Hey man! Poor you, stuck in Germany huh? That happened to me some friends on the way back from the 'Stan. We got stuck in Germany for about a week....I tell you what, after being in the desert and not being able to drink, leaving us loose in Germany for a week was a bad idea!!! Post some pics if you get a chance man!

[sevenslats]

Due to the holidays, I wan't able to get a rental car.* But that's settled now.* I'm in Spang, on wireless interent in my lodging room.
Here's a pic of my current trail rig:
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003908.jpg

[4x4_MMMH_4x4]

rofl @ trail rig... does she jump???

[XFactor]

Hey man pick me up some stienes. Let me know how much.

[crazy4ink]

Where's the rest of your car?? :laugh:

[mousee]

I have split wood with bigger wedges... LOL ROFLMAO

[AK20]

Pimpin the 'Benz!!! Nice. I would say stay safe, but what the hell....try not to get Sclerosis of the liver while there!

[sevenslats]

I need to find a good place for steins. The BX carries a few. Maybe I'll snap a pic of their shelves, and you can pick one out. I haven't been to any shops off base yet.

[XFactor]

Do me a favor, go to Switzerland and get me some special brownies ;D

[sevenslats]

Drove to Bitburg today.* Nice little town.* Not brave enough to enter a restaurant yet, but they all had Bitburger Beer sings, kinds like american places that have miller, budweiser, or coca-cola signs.
Also found our first castle.* Reichenberg castle, in Cochlem.* Beautiful drive to a beautiful village.* got the benz up to 160 (99mph) on the A1 autobahn.*
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003921.jpg

[TJVigilante]

Do me a favor, go to Switzerland and get me some special brownies ;D


that would be amsterdam, in Netherlands.


Get a pair of Lederhosen and a little felt hat, play some accordion and get it on tape.

[Timmae]

say hi to my Oma, (grandma in german) who lives in Tawern, its near Trier, and be nice, shes an old lil lady like 4'5". but shell make you fat

[canchaser]

wow its pretty over there I WANNA GO............

[AKJeeper]

I'm so jealous that you're out there! I'll be making a trip out to Switzerland this spring, if everything goes right. So keep on sending the pics. And enjoy your time there!

[ChevyKev]

That is incredible - wish I could have gone there, but... have fun!

[sevenslats]

Darren, I'll be over for a while. When in the spring will you be here?

Oh, and sorry about the lack of pics the last few days. I've been sampling the local beverages, and obviously can't sightsee while partaking.

[AKMark]

At least you are there and not in Afghanistan. Very nice. When are you due back?

[AKJeeper]

Darren, I'll be over for a while. When in the spring will you be here?

Oh, and sorry about the lack of pics the last few days. I've been sampling the local beverages, and obviously can't sightsee while partaking.


Well, I'm hoping to make the trip out to Switzerland sometime in late May, early June. It all depends on if I can get leave approved...

[sevenslats]

I should still be here in late may. let me know if you figure out the details.

[sevenslats]

Went sightseeing today.* Were only gone 4 hours, but took over 100 pictures between the two of us.

The town we were looking for is Trier.* It's kinda small on the map, but ended up being quite large, compared to most american places I've been.
Here's a typical German village named Aach.* Lots of rolling hills and twisty roads over here.* At least in Eifel, the part of the country where we are.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003947.JPG

Here's the claim to fame for Trier.* It's called Porta Nigra.* It was built by the Romans in the 2nd century.*
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003926.JPG

A shopping square in Trier.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003927.JPG

The ruins of Kaisertherme, a 2nd century Roman castle.* Very intricate masonry.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM003937.JPG

These "cars" are actually quite popular over here.* Kris is standing next to it for size reference.* He's 5' 8".* There's 2 seats, and less storage behind the seats than a TJ has.* Oddly enough, most of them are covered in advertising.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8777&g2_serialNumber=2



Oh, and broke 180 kmh today.* That equates to 112mph.* I can't wait till we get a different car in 2 weeks.* Maybe it won't take a 6% grade to get over 100 mph.

[XFactor]

Awsome pics man. Makes me want to go even more.

[sevenslats]

Today we took a hike through some castle ruins. Real pretty. Cost 2 Euro to enter. I couldn't read any of the signs, so I have no idea which room I'm standing in.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8784&g2_serialNumber=2

A view of the inside walls. They built this thing right into the existing landscape. Just spread some mortar on the bedrock, and build a stone wall!
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8781&g2_serialNumber=2


A view of the entire castle:
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8787&g2_serialNumber=2

[sevenslats]

Destination:* Luxemborg
First stop:* Luxemborg American Cemetary and Memorial.* General Patton is buried here, along with 5,075 other American Soldiers and Airmen.* The inscription reads:
All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be filled with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall be eternal.
-- Dwight Eisenhower
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004039.jpg

Luxemborg city. Note, most right hand lanes are reserved for buses. Please don't attempt to drive a car in them.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004046.jpg

Finally, Vianden Castle. Undergoing restoration since 1976. Interior complete, although we didn't arrive in time for the tour.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004051.jpg

[naturalbornmudder]

I didnt get to spend as much time in Germeny when I was there so I didnt get to see as much. Very cool pics.

[sevenslats]

Okay, got some pictures of today's trip, but someone needs to help me out before I post them. See per diem thread.

[sevenslats]

Sorry, I totally forgot to post pics from last weekend.
Leiser Castle. circa 1887. By far, the youngest castle ew've seen so far.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00594.jpg

Bernkastle:
The castle. There's a formal restaurant up there. Also, note the vineyards. These crazy Germans use every bit of hillside available. And some of it is scary steep.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00558.jpg

Don't adjust your monitor, these buildings are so old, they're sagging and stretching.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00483.jpg

They squeeze buildings in everywhere. This place can't be more than 12' wide. And i haven't seen a wall over here less than 18" thick.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00504.jpg

[sevenslats]

Today we got totally lost.
The guys at the shop bet us we couldn't. Every village has a sign telling you you entered it, and a sign telling you you left plus what the next village is and how far away it is. Every intersection lists the next 2 towns you'll encounter for each road choice.
But anyway, we saw some cool stuff. Kris took all the pictures today since I was busy driving. I'll get them fromo him after tomorrow's excursion, and post up something. Our travels took us to Kaiserslautern, if anyone on here has been there before.

[sevenslats]

Today's pics:
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004169.jpg

That is a castle right on the Mosel River. It's a residence now. Yup, just one family in that big, old, cold, stone building. Duck, ducks!


Here's a picture my son wanted to see. A train. It's leaving some small town also on the Mosel River. That pink bldg with no roof is the train station.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004189.jpg

The mercedes was a dog today. We officially found it's top speed, governed at 199 kph. Can't wait to turn it in next week.

[sevenslats]

Went out last night. Here's the website of the pub we went to. Name is pronounced kay-yoot. Look in the "Hot Pictures, Neue Photos". Yes, it is actually that crowded. We got there at about 1:30am. Midnight is when they kick out the kids (16-21). They kicked us out at 5:30 am. Drink of the night: Redbull and Vodka. Total cost: 50 Euro, I think.

http://www.kajuete-binsfeld.de/

[AKLJ8]

Hey Slats... Keep your eyes open for Amphicars. Thats the birth place of the Amphicar and there's a fairly good sized club over there. Not sure if you can read German but here's there web site.
http://www.amphicar.net/Germany/

Craig

[sevenslats]

I used Babel fish to translate the site. Looks to be more up towards Berlin. which would make sense, closer to open water. I mean, thre's a few large rivers here, but up thre is much more.
I'll keep my eyes open..You can see, if we go out anywhere, we take our cameras.

[sevenslats]

Okay, last weekend we went to Belgium. Nothing exciting, just a trip.
This weekend we went to Cologne. It was very cold there. about +28F, but very, very windy. I'll download the pics from my camera tomorrow. Need to get ready for work in the AM.
We got 6" of snow Thurs/Fri. I miss alaska snow where you can clear off your car with a gust of wind. This stuff is wet & heavy.

[sevenslats]

In case anyone's wondering about my ramblings today, this is why.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004282.JPG

[mousee]

mmmm, beer you can chew. When I drank, it was my favorite...

[AK20]

Mmmm, beer! Love the glass too, how many ounces are those bottles, 16???

[sevenslats]

It says right on the box, 0,5 l. That translates to 1/2 litre.

17 oz. ;)

too bad it doesn't say what percent it is. It's gotta be at least 6.0.
++++, now you got me thirsty again. and it's only 10 in the morning, on a Sunday.

[sevenslats]

++++ that's good beer. I wish it came in like a 12-pack or something. I need to make another trip to the BX-Tra. Someone once told me, if you can only get it in a six-pack, it's Yuppie Beer. lol

Anyway, as promised, here's the pics from the past few weeks.

First is the castle we hiked to in Belgium. Yes, that's a waterfall on the left. Really secluded place. Too bad it's a private residence.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000026.jpg

Then 4 pics of the Cathedral in Cologne. Simply beautiful. Impressive details, truley amazing. If anyone wants more pics, let me know. We took a lot. The interior shots turned out poor due to the high windows, and small flash.

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00963.jpg
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00952.jpg
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC00956.jpg
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000062.jpg

[sevenslats]

Oh, and we got a sweet new ride today. Bye Bye Benz. Hello Peugot. No really, it's nice. Pics to come, it's dark out now.

[canchaser]

OMG thats breathtaking

[litlebit88101]

omg beautiful

[sevenslats]

You should see it in person. I can't even imagine hearing that organ bellow out.

[canchaser]

I'd cry seeing something like that in person seriously I'd bawl like a baby out of sure joy

[sevenslats]

It's quite humbling.
In the first pic of the Cathedral (second in post), you can see one of the spires off to the left. It's ondisplay in the square out front. Fromthe ground, you'd bever believe it's the same size as the ones on the top of the roof.
Never mind. The Franziskaner isn't letting me explain this. Let me find a pic...

[sevenslats]

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004255.jpg

[sevenslats]

As promised, the new Ride:
It's a diesel. So far we had it up to 210. And that was within 20 minutes of picking it up. ;)

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004283.jpg

[XFactor]

Sweet

[sevenslats]

Long weekend. Road trip!
We left Saturday morning for Neuschwantein. The Disneyland Castle. Took 5 hours to get there, but we didn't make it in time for the last tour of the day. So we camped out, and went back in the morning.
Here's a shot of Hohenschwangau Castle. It's often outshined by Neuschwanstein, so I'll post a few pics of it.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004302.jpg
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01057.jpg

Here's Neuschwanstein, as seen from the ground.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01048.jpg

From halfway up the paved road to the castle (I'd post one from all the way up, but this is as close as you can get and get the whole castle in one frame.)
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01115.jpg

We took a hike in the German Alps and got this view from a bridge. The bridge was probably 150' above a waterfall. Steep as the 30-min hike was, I gotta recommend it. Totlly worth the view.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004348.jpg

And, after another hour of hiking, sometimes through 2 feet of snow, here's the view. You can see the top of Neuschwanstein in the lower half, Towards the left of center is yellow-colored Hohenschwangau, and of course, the Austrian Alps in the background. Also visible is the snow-covered Alps Sea, and our car at the tip of the sea, close to Hohenschwangau.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01182.jpg
The moral of the story is, we went from well below the elevation of the castle, to very well above the castle, and the views only got better.

A shot of Neuschwanstein at night, for good measure.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000012.jpg



We took guided (the oly kind) tours of the interior of both castles, but no photographs are allowed. We were disappointed with the lack of access in both castles, although Hohenschwangau is still privately owned, and the third floor is utilized by the owner.
We did get to go through King Ludwig II's hall in Neuschwanstein, and saw the woodwork in his bedroom. 14 carpenters + 4 years = crazy details.

[LowNSlowNeon]

So are you working at all? :)





Don't mind me I'm just jealous. :)

[AKLJ8]

You should bring all the photos to a club meeting when you get back. It'd be cool if you could project them on a screen... I've allways wanted to take my dad to Germany and see all those castles...

[sevenslats]

Here's the castle's official website with some interior pictures. Note the bedroom. :bling:
http://www.neuschwanstein.de/english/castle/gallery.htm

[sevenslats]

John, did you see my post about a 24-hour shift?
This was a nice end to that hell-week. :thefinger:

Craig, That'd be neat. I've already mailed 2 CDs worth of pics home. I've got 1.4 GB right now. A slideshow would take hours.

[sevenslats]

Had some good stress relief yesterday.
www.adac.de (http://www.adac.de)

Driving class.
You can try to translate the site, but really, the pics are all you're going to get out of it.
It was slalom, braking, braking at high speeds (50 kmh!), braking on wet surfaces, high-bank turns at varying speeds, high-bank turns at varying speeds on wet surfaces, and the fun part, the slide plate. This slide plate is a square of asphalt that can be moved horizontally via hydraulic cylinders. As your front wheels cross over, it arms. When your back wheels are on it, it kicks your rear end to one side. Simulates skidding out of control. We got to practice recovering from the skid. Then he turned on the water fountain, and we had to recover, and avoid the fountain. I didn't, and of course, had my window down. :cry: Real fun day.
And of course, Uncle Sam paid the bill.

[TJVigilante]

Sounds good, what did you get to drive, a Focus?

[sevenslats]

My rental. The Peugot wagon. The course is structured to orient driver and vehicle. If you get a new car, you go back and retake the course.
The instructor was telling us that last month a lady in a Volvo SUV came through, and flew right through. The Stability Control on that vehicle is so "smart", she dind't give any steering or braking inputs, and the rig corrected itself.
I have several buttons. Onoe is ESP off. To me, the car was more manageable with this off because it wasn't trying to do it's thing while I was trying to regain control. The other button I have is a snowflake. This was a fun one. I had the thing floored on the high-bank, and she wouldn't slide the right front. Turn of the snowflake, and I would have slid right across the wet spots.

[28this]

The instructor was telling us that last month a lady in a Volvo SUV came through, and flew right through. The Stability Control on that vehicle is so "smart", she dind't give any steering or braking inputs, and the rig corrected itself.

Sounds like some of the technology they had on my 05 Freightliner Century Class. Thing could almost drive itself.

[canchaser]

wow sounds like fun....

[sevenslats]

The instructor had a 300z. After class he showed us how to drift the circle-track. he ddi a full 2 laps. :bowdown:

[28this]

The last company I worked for had a "skid plate" for training and skills. That thing was awesome, but it is a bit different compared to yours concidering mine was in an 18 wheeler.:yes: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

[sevenslats]

If you look at the site, they offer classes for motorcycles, and passenger cars pulling trailers also.
The German instrcutor was prepping for an ambulance driver class today.

[mousee]

I would have slid right across the wet spots.

:laugh:


Sounds like fun. I feel that they should make something like that mandatory for everyone. I am so tired of stupid drivers...

[sevenslats]

I'm not positive, but I think it's highly encouraged for locals. As far as the military is concerned, Commanders must take it. For Vehicle Operators, it's highly recommended. I also think Law Enforcement must take it. Not sure.

It's normally something like €100. The military reserves the course for the day for €300. There were 6 in my class, and that is the max.

[28this]

:laugh:


Sounds like fun. I feel that they should make something like that mandatory for everyone. I am so tired of stupid drivers...

I feel the same way, except everyone should have to drive an 18 wheeler to get a license. Then maybe they wouldn't cut us off all the time and stuff if they knew how the truck actually works.

[sevenslats]

I know it's been a while, but last week I was busy. :oops: ;) :iwin:

Saturday we went to Burg Eltz. It's a Castle close by, but because of it's hidden location, we hadn't gotten there yet.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01204.jpg
Note, this caslte is donw in the valley, instead of up high on a hill. Supposedly the Eltz family were excellent negotiators, and never had a seige.

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01216.jpg
Closer view. We got to wander around inside this one, and those are actuall all separate buildings. It's kinda like a little village square on the inside. We didn't get any good pics to illustrate that. You'll have to come see for yourself.


http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01325.jpg
And Sunday, we had to wash the car. I have no idea why. Honest. Especially that spot.

[28this]

Must like the hard work, rinsing the soap off from the bottom up. :nono: :laugh:

Awesome castle though. Glad you had fun.

[sevenslats]

That's not what I'm rinsing. :angel:

[28this]

Okay, I'll never tell. :secret:

[sevenslats]

Traded in the Pugeot today. Picked up a Volvo S40. 3400 km on the clock. It's nice. Finally got a 5-speed also. But the stupid thing will start in gear. Crazy Germans.
I took some pics, let me find them...

[gamble71]

wow, great pics. Got to spend a week at ramstein in 99.(tdy from bosnia) We went to K-town, Heidelberg, and Ramstein while there. :cool: Very beautiful country. I wouldn't mind getting stationed there if it weren't for Iraq/Iran now. :( Like X, I want steins. I like the tall ones with pewter statues on top. No pewter statue, no purchase. And I always have stein money lol

[sevenslats]

I'll get a pic of the BX shelf. You can pick one.

[gamble71]

ppreciate it... those are the only bar items I'm allowed to have in the house because at least they're "artsy" :rolleyes: Spent between $4-500 on steins while there. I also remember what it was like being let loose in germany after being sober for too long lol Beer.... it's not just for breakfast anymore :rockon: :cheers:

[sevenslats]

Here's the new pimpmobile. You history buffs may recognize the building in the background. I'm not sure of dates, but there's F-15s painted on the building across the street. The Germans have pretty much taken over the "base" and are converting it. The Club is still open, though!
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004395.jpg

[28this]

Went from a pinto bean to a kidney bean Ah!:laugh:

[sevenslats]

Happy Easter!
I honestly don't know the tradition behind this, but they're everywhere. similar to Christmas lights in America.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000026_001.jpg


Today we took a driving tour of the Rhein River. We actually only drove the section between Wiesbaden and Koblenz, but this is where a large concentration of castles is. I cannot recall the names, but here are 3 of the nearly 20 we saw today. We didn't stop at all of them. Some were on the opposite side of the river, and we plan to drive that West Shore tomorrow.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01341.jpg

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000016.jpg

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000012_001.jpg


The river was higher than normal. Here you can see, the floating dock is floating, but the part where it attaches to the land is underwater.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01330.jpg

The Volvo is doing good. Kris is loving the 5-speed, but he promised to let me drive tomorrow.

I didn't forget your requests for steins. Next time we go to the BX-Tra, I'll take the camera and get a pic of what's available.

[sevenslats]

Drove the West Bank today. Between the two of us, we took over 560 pictures.
Just got back an hour ago, so I'm off to bed. Suspense until tomorrow on the pictures.

[28this]

Well, where they at then? J/K. Figure you'll put some on when you get a chance. Hope you enjoyed your Easter.

[sevenslats]

I'm still going through last weekend's pictures. And I haven't gotten Kris' yet from this weekend.
I will tell you, though. We were in 4 different countries today.
And the volvo tops out at 228 kmh. The reason it tops out will surprise you. Rev limiter.

[sevenslats]

Okay, here's the West Bank of the Rhein River.
It's a shame the water was so high. This is a neat looking castle, from what I've seen in the Tourist Books. Pfalzgrafenstein:
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01768.jpg

Downtown St. Goar. I think they sell clocks in that store on the right. Just a guess. ;)
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01475.jpg

Rheinfels Castle. We spent over 3.5 houors here, and took over 400 pictures. Supposedly, the portion we toured is less than 1/5 the original size. As we drove through the town, there were ruins in people's yards, cafes were built unsing ruins for some of the walls...
Here is a lookout
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01666.jpg

The mulitple defensive layers. There's at least 2 levels below ground, plus who knows how many that are closed to the public.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01492.jpg

One can only imagine what this originally looked like. you can see just how many stories remain.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01668.jpg

Here's a shot of me inside one of the tunnels. looking back at the pic, i probably could have stood up in this spot. I have never been in such a dark place before. The funny part of the story is, neither one of us had thought to bring a flashlight. We were using camera flashes to navigate. It was quite a maze. We didn't spend too much time down there.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01579.jpg

And probably my favorite castle so far, Sooneck. It's small. Like 1 family, plus guest quarters. Nice, landscaped courtyard. And a reddish stone color.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC01810.jpg

I have yet to get Kris' pictures from out trip yesterday. But we'll have more tonight anyway. We took today off.

[Chetnak]

HOLY COW these pics have been so great. I wish I could be there to see all of that.

[LowNSlowNeon]

Geez, :) Crazy man.. when ya coming back again?..

[ChevyKev]

Incredible. - thanks for sharing the pics.

[sevenslats]

I got Kris's pictures from our 5-country weekend, and I'm sorting them now. I finally went to the BX-Tra tonight, but my camera was dead. They had some neat steins, though. I'm sure I'll be able to find one you'll like.

[sevenslats]

John,
We should be back sometime in May.

Okay, I promise, only 1 picture of a castle today. It was hard, but I selected other pictures. I know you're all getting tired of castles.
Let's get it out of the way. Heidelberg.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC02001.jpg

I really liked this town. We oughta go back ans spend more than 1 hour there.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC02002.jpg


Here's a sing we came across in Saarbrücken. I'm not sure what it says, but I have a feeling it's Pimp Crossing.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/EX000024.jpg

The view from a Castle in France. The town is Seirck les Baines. The river is the Rhein. That hill on the far right is Luxembourg.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004796.jpg

Architecture in Leige, Belgium. Viewable, from left to right, is 4 cranes working on some large building like a train station; some neat looking Government buildnigs up on the hill; a fancy arch over the tunnel; tunnel.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/DSC02040.jpg

[nissan720]

man i love the pictures, looks as if ya'll are haveing fun

[sevenslats]

Okay, i fixed my camera, and went to the BX-tra. Here's what we got. there's a few different styles, so let me know if there's something you don't see, and I'll try to find one. Also, if you want more/different/moredetailed pitures, let me know.
*Limited to first 5 who post up requests. I'm ont smuggling these things in.*
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004882.jpg

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004883.jpg


http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/IM004884.jpg

[gamble71]

I like the little stubby one on the top left with the large pewter statue on top lol All my steins have the statue, except one. :confused:

[gamble71]

dang puter acting funny

[sevenslats]

The top ;eft of the first picture?
In the first pic, the two on the extreme left are about 2' tall, and about $75 ea. the third one over is a Marines stein. The "statue" on top is a 3D USMC seal.
I've seen a few with things other than simple pewter lids. There's one at Bitburg that has a hunk of the Berlin Wall glued on top.
When we go over there next, I'll snap some pictures, specifically of ones with statues on top.

[gamble71]

thanks.... I already know that good steins cost money.... got a few I won't even mention the price :eek:

[sevenslats]

Some close-up pics:
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/stein1.jpg

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/gallery2/g2data/albums/Members/sevenslats/stein2.jpg

[sevenslats]

I picked out my stein today. Had to. I'll be staying at a Holiday Inn Saturday night.
Gamble, I'll be heading to Ramstein AB tomorrow afternoon, I'll pick out a nice one with a statue on top for you. I can't promise that I'll be able to upload pictures and let you pick one out, so if you have an idea what you want, give me some clues.