Day 7. 22nd April 2024.
Eguisham, France to Rhinefalls, Switzerland via Titisee, Germany.
Wow, that heading sounds amazing doesn’t it? 3 countries in one day!
Today started lovely, bright and sunny, but still flipping freezing in the shade and on the breeze. The dogs had one last run out amongst the vineyards and then we set off for a place that makes us giggle like schoolkids every time we say it, Titisee 
.
Gareth found it by chance while working out a route. How could we not stop by for a visit? 
. The drive took us up into the black forest. There was still lots of evidence of the recent snow fall, still lots on the gorgeous fir trees crowded on the mountains and some still on the road side, but obviously not on the roads. These countries definitely know how to deal with snow.
We stopped high up in the black forest for photos and a toilet break. Marley dog couldn’t help but do his very own version of snow angels in what was left on the verge. Bless his 
. The air was crisp and cold but the view was amazing. Trees as far as the eye could see. We also spotted a couple of ski jumps higher up, in the distance. That is something I would definitely like to watch live
We didn’t realise that Titisee was high up in the mountains until we got closer to it. There is a Lake Titisee which we headed for hoping to get some lunch. There are a few places to park but we found a free one at a big swimming complex, thank you nicely.
The walk to the lake was very pleasant, past a residential area and the railway, leading us to the lakeside shops and restaurants. With hills all around you can spot the ski slopes, some still with snow on, that would bring this place to life. The lake had lots of pleasure craft lined up ready for the summer season.
There was a lot of snow left in piles all around the place, and some still on the chairs outside cafes and restaurants! Blimey 
. We did a bit of window shopping and then found a dog friendly restaurant for lunch.
I tried the Pork knuckle, Gareth has the local special of asparagus with turkey steaks, Jane had goulash while Andrew tried the spaghetti Bolognese. We couldn’t come too the black forest and not have some Gateau could we . It was delicious, very creamy with just a little kirsch, different to how it’s now presented in the UK.
With full tummies we left the lovely, warm restaurant. Meg and Marley started playing in a pile of snow to the delight of a French couple walking by 
, they couldn’t stop watching the funny dogs, trying to chew the snow .
What a lovely little shop that was.
Onwards, we headed for tonight’s stop, just over the border into Switzerland.
The Rhinefalls has many car parks, some allowing motorhomes to overnight BUT you have to be very careful of the charges. It is free to park from 6pm to 9am, after which you have to pay 40CH (swiss francs) for the first hour and then 10CH for each extra hour 
. It could turn into a very expensive visit.
We arrived at 5.45pm so waited down the road until we could come in for free. This car park is right at the entrance to the Falls. Also, the entry barriers are left open after 6pm so you have free entry to the falls as well. How good is that?
The Falls are menacingly beautiful. The sound is deafening the closer you get, and when you are as close as you can get, you get the feeling you are just about to be swept away, never too be seen again.
On the lowest viewing platform, you have to look up at the wall of water rushing towards you. When you look over the side it seems to draw you in, mesmerising you into thinking you are going to fall in!
The water is very powerful at the moment, but I don’t think they’ve had all the snow melt and rainfall coming through yet, so it could get even more powerful.
There were pleasure boats on the water and we watched as one was giving it’s passengers a thrilling ride, motoring into the foaming waters while the boat rocked and rolled and the passengers got wet 
from the spray.
We planned to come back when it was getting dark as it’s said that they light up the falls.
Waiting until about 8.30pm we put on all of our warm layers and went back. How disappointing 
, the lights didn’t come on. There were lights on the sidewalks but none shining into the falls.
Forever the optimist, I suggested we wait till 9pm, but once again disappointment was all that we got. Oh well, at least we tried. So no photos of an illuminated falls I’m afraid, you’ll just have to Google it like we did .
It was a quiet night in the carpark, convenient, free but not glamorous.
Day 8. 23rd April 2024.
Rhinefalls to Mettmetstetten and Lucerne, Switzerland
Today, we have split up. Andrew and Jane are visiting Lucerne whilst we are visiting Sinead, Darren and the boys in Mettmetstetten.
As WiFi is V expensive here, tomorrows report may be a little delayed.
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