Obernai Sunday

Nothing major to report from yesterday. Rick was up early to drive Ursula to the train station in Ulm by 7:30, about ¾ hour drive. Ursula is catching multiple trains from Ulm to Alassio, where Erich is. We had breakfast and packed after Rick got back to the flat, left the key with the neighbours and had a leisurely drive to a hotel south of Stuttgart.

Today’s drive was great, through part of the Black Forest, mostly empty roads, lots of trees, lots of curves and we didn’t have to hurry. The driving time was a bit over 3 hours. We stopped for a while to watch paragliding launches and flying. So many strings on the parachutes. Great launch site with great views across the valley.

Stopped a bit later for an “apple stop”. We parked beside a little river in a pretty town, in a nice shady spot.

On then to Obernai, a town that looked to be attractive. We’ve booked two nights here, and will explore some of the “beautiful villages of France” to the south tomorrow. We had a walk around Obernai and couldn’t believe how pretty it is, picture book stuff.

There were heaps of motor bikes in the Market Square, along with some amazing trikes.

Then a fantastic Delahaye car drove into the square. The Delahaye company was founded in 1894 and the brand had disappeared by 1956. Here is a link to a Wikipedia entry. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delahaye. The old and the new.

Back to the hotel after a late coffee, glass of wine, blog and we’ll look for a meal soon. Our hotel is The Gouverneur Hotel, dating from the 16^th century. The commander of the town of Obernai, under Louis XIV, lived here in the late 1600s. The hotel was the home of the Royal Lender until 1812, then a school, a doctor’s surgery and finally converted to a hotel. Our "room" is a small suite. Sitting area, bedroom, and, of course, bathroom.