As the dams got higher and the glacial flour turned the Inn River seafoam green, we turned away to the mellow Alpine foothills farms of corn, chard and hops.
We didn’t stay on the Inn for long, but were treated to forest preserves and mostly packed limestone trails and a few farmers roads between villages. As we gained elevation, both on and off, as we turned away from the Inn, rain threatened, and most afternoons promised and delivered thunderstorms. Our short riding days most always had us into accomodations first. One morning started with a steady all-day feeling rain that tested our ancient, but effective rain capes, but eased and finished by noon. The rural farm roads proved culturally intriguing and has us stopping often for photos, or to just take it all in. While amiring the vintage Citroen with hand painting, we were serenaded by chickens and ducks.The harvest is still a ways off for the sweet corn, and most everything else. But at least the rains have come, and we don’t have to look at curled corn leaves, and chard laying on the ground. The asparagus is tall, and farmers are hilling it up to produce the famous spargel. Germany is one of the most energy efficient countries in the First World. Their historically steep pitched roofs and massive arrays of solor panels make up for their northern latitude. With the U.S. tarifgs on solar panels, Europe will get a price break and install many more. I wonder how many new installation jobs will that will create?