Let's climb up there!

Yay!  I'm feeling better.  I can actually breathe without rattling in my chest.

We stayed a few days with Jillian and Brian during our recent trip overseas in the small village of Parkstein where they live.

Whenever you drive into their little village you get a good view of this little church on top of the hill.

This time we decided to hike up there.  Jillian knew right where to park.  I have to admit I was a little reluctant to do this hike because I was suffering from jetlag quite badly.  Eventually I was convinced and it was the best thing to get out there in the fresh air and get some exercise.

This is how they mark Wanderungs (hiking trails).  I didn't take the time to figure it out, but Jillian says they've been on almost all the trails in their village.

Diesel, the old man, got to come along.  We thought this photo was hilarious.  Notice the sign that indicates no dog popping allowed.  Diesel did a perfect imitation of the sign and yes, Jillian picked up his poop.

The trail was lined with mosaics representing the stations of the cross.  I thought they were beautiful.

It's common to see the stations of the cross in many places in Europe due to the Catholic influence.

They represent Christ's journey and suffering along his route to the cross.

Each of the 14 stations has a Bible verse that accompanies it.

Catholics stop, pray and reflect at each station.

The 12th station reflects Jesus' death on the cross.

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole and until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!".  And having said this he breathed his last.  Luke 23: 44-46

Up, up, up we went.  It wasn't too difficult--even old Diesel made it.

We greatly enjoyed the beautiful fall colors!

And finally Jesus is laid in the Tomb.

It's a beautiful chapel built on an extinct volcano.  From what I understood there is still a weekly service that takes place here.

This marker at the top shows the direction where towns and cities are located in relation to the hill.

I don't know this throne's story, but I imagine it the throne for a magical medieval king.

Of course, King Irv thought it was his throne.

I love the charming doors.  They were unlocked so inside we went.

Even a small church like this beautiful inside.  It's called The Mountain Church of St Marien to the 14 Emergency Helpers.  Construction on this version of the chapel occurred in 1851-52.

On the way down we noticed some of the remnants of the medieval wall that was built on the mountaintop.

Very picturesque on top of the rock cliff walls.

Then we headed into the village in search of a couple geocaches.  This one almost got the better of us.  Lots of muggles in the area that Irv tried to converse with in German to see if they knew anything about the cache.  All of them got out of there as quickly as possibly because of this crazy American.

Then we made a short trek into the forest for another cache.

These forests are all mystical and magical.  You can understand why the fairy tales take place Europe with all the moss and greenery.

Diesel had fun!

Then we found it.  Such a clever hide!

I really wanted to take that troll home.

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl?

A hunter's blind. The deer here are about the size of Diesel.  Not much of a sport I'd say.

Then it was home to enjoy the ribs Brian had smoked for us.  Best ribs I've ever had!

This guy is getting quite elderly.  It's been a tough couple months for my elderly grand dogs and grand cat.  It so hard when they leave us.

A selfie with the best boy.