Getting old doesn't suck (that bad)

39 seconds...Doesn’t seem like much, does it?  But after five more years of life’s relentless momentum pushing me toward “old fart”, I’m quite happy with it:

2005 Amsterdam Marathon, 3:52:39

2010 Amsterdam Marathon, 3:52:00

Strasbourg and the Vosges

We took a little road trip and a long weekend down to the Vosges mountains for some hiking, then spent a few nights in ultra-international border town of Strasbourg.  It was a great little getaway with many unexpected discoveries, like stumbling into some overgrown WWI trenches and watching a giant nutria begging for bread on the banks of a Strasbourg canal.  Here are a few pics from the trip.

Funky mushrooms in them thar hills!

There were loads of abandoned castles.  We picked this one as the destination for this little hike.  We started out in some beautiful vineyards, then wound our way up the mountain along the original cart path - the only way up!

It was an interesting mix of disiduous forest and alpine terrain....we even rousted out a monster wild boar!  But he scared the bejeebers out of us and I didn't get a picture.

Once we reached the top, the view out to the wild mountains was almost as beautiful....

....as back across the valley of vineyards and villages below.

And here is a link to a 360 video from the top of the highest tower.

Each afternoon after a day of hiking in the mountains found us on the sunny terrace of the only watering hole in the tiny village where we stayed.

 Then it was into the city for a few days of great food, great wine, and great relaxation.

The famous Strasbourg church...tallest building in the world until 1876.

The narrow alleys, canal locks, waterfalls, and half-timbered buildings of Petit France....

....contrasted sharply with the ultra-modern EU government buildings on the outskirts of the city.

Gigantic sycamores on the banks of the river...

and plenty of hot French chicks!