Next day - Wednesday 13th June. Erika, having found that our plans included a 'must-see' visit to the Pfahlbauten - described as an 'open-air museum' but really a bronze age lake village on stilts - decided that we would make it a group outing, using the 27 Euro 'day ticket' with which up to five people can travel all day anywhere in Baden-Wurttemberg .  Erika is a wonderful planner and organiser, and made it a day out to remember.

ready for the 'off' at Triberg Station - left, Di, Irma's Max, Erika, Irma - right, Max, Ger, Erika, Irma

From Triberg we took the train to Konstanz, at the head of the lake - Constance or Bodensee depending on your preference - my plan had been to take the ferry to Meersburg, a beautiful old town, and then walk to Unteruhldingen, where the pile dwellings are - Erika though had planned an extra treat at the end of the day, so we stayed on the ferry and recrossed the lake to Mainau, the flowery island, and then back again direct to Unteruhldingen. 

(map)

the lake front near Konstanz,                                                     waiting for the ferry to Meersburg

 the lake shore, approaching Meersburg,                          Erika, Diana, Max, Irma on the deck of the steamer

leaving Meersburg, and                                                                        grapevines line the hillsides

A Zeppelin flies overhead, giving visitors trips -                                approaching the flowery isle of Mainau

the first sight of the pile dwellings from the boat                               Pfahlbauten man on the landing quay

Diana and me on our way to the Pfalhbauten                                                I am the short fat one

All German excursions have to include at least one meal - here we are giving it some before tackling the houses on stilts