Black Forest Open Air Museum 

Day 4

   We said auf wiedersehen to Baden-Baden, and headed towards the Black Forest Open Air Museum.  On the way, the group made a stop at the nearby luge course. (Sommerrodelbahn Gutach)  I was quite nervous, and Scott was ready to go! After what I felt was a very brief lesson, Our group, one by one was seated, buckled in and listening for our cue to go! The luges are spaced apart hopefully to prevent being rear-ended by the rider behind you! On the incline up, thoughts of everything that could go wrong were running through my mind. Of course there were no mishaps, and our group of 26 rode the course and arrived safely and exhilarated at the end!

   The Open Air Museum displayed an excellent example of life in the rural Black Forest. The museum consists of an old farmhouse, tools used, and clothing worn at the time. We learned about farming in the region, and also the art of clock making. The gift shop on location has beautiful cuckoo clocks for sale. Before hitting the road for Switzerland, our group was treated to a delicious lunch including Black Forest cake and a shot of cherry schnapps. (Probably needed that before the luge course!)