Italy, Austria, France

Hi everyone! We miss you and hope you are enjoying your summer!

Ryan and I have had an amazing time traveling around Italy, Austria and France over the last few weeks. I had visited Cinque Terre a few years ago and really wanted to take Ryan there. We spent about 4 days there - hiking the trail between the 5 villages, swimming in the clear blue Mediterranean waters, and eating fantastic Italian food (my favorite!)

After Cinque Terre, we moved on to Florence, and got to bike around Tuscany! It was beautiful. We toured a winery and got to see how wine and olive oil are made.

Taking the train from a little town called Villoch to Salzburg (Austria) was one of the most brilliantly scenic treks I have ever done! Deep green hills, an emerald river meandering through the trees, towering granite rocks, and just a few little houses sprinkled throughout - it was like a fairy-tale land!

Upon arriving in Salzburg, we discovered that the hostel, for which we had made an online reservation, was full. Amazingly though, they had transferred us to another hotel. This hotel was much nicer and we got to stay there for the cheaper price of the hostel! We got to eat the best buffet breakfast, and I rested in the hotel to fight off a sickness while Ryan roamed the town. We did a short hike up on a hill overlooking the city and got to see the roof of the house where Mozart grew up.

Innsbruck, Austria was lovely. A little mountain town with a free hiking club - Ryan's dream! We hiked around the beautiful mountains, explored the town, and enjoyed free concerts in the courtyard.

We are currently in St. Tropez, visiting some friends. It has been so amazing to catch up with good friends and be in such a beautiful and peaceful place for several days. We have been swimming, boating and exploring the little nearby towns.

Congratulations to Scott & Jenna!!!! We love you guys!

Europe!

We arrived in Geneva, Switzerland 10 days ago and we've been having an amazing time so far! We spent 4 days in Chamonix, France and Ryan did not want to leave. : ) Chamonix is a small town resting at the base of the beautiful Mont Blanc and incredible alps. The town is pristine, complete with brilliant flowers, a sparkling green river, and the most fantastic food we have ever eaten. What a treat is was to be there.

We took a cable car up to Aguille du Midi, the highest cable car in Europe. The cable car takes you straight up the mountain, and then straight up another one, until you reach 12,000 feet and are facing the top of Mont Blanc. We took a train ride along a glacier, and hiked in an even smaller town just up the valley from Chamonix, called Argentinere.

On Monday we took a train to Cinque Terre - spending a few days hiking between the villages on the Mediterranean coast, and swimming in the clear blue water.

To celebrate the 4th of July, we just completed a 12 -mile bike ride through Tuscany, stopping at a winery and for a delicious Italian lunch!

We are so thankful to be here and have a bit of extra time to explore Europe.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!