Our time is getting short in Germany...However, the next 3 days will be full of adventures and experiences! Today was certainly interesting but rather hard on the ol' knee. We didn't have to have bags out as staying two nights so that eased the morning routine. After another scrumptious breakfast (I'm really going to miss the croissants with brie cheese), we boarded the bus for a scenic drive to Eisenach. Joan N & I took our turn in the front seats which gave us fantastic views along the way!

We had a quick stop to let a couple off at train station to make their way to the hospital as his right wrist was very swollen and painful after a reaction to a sudden stop on a Dresden tram on 24th. The bus then continued up & up to the Wartburg Castle where in 1521, Luther sought refuge from the Pope's wrath. Four of us rode the shuttle van up & up to the drawbridge while others were intrepid stair climbers! We had a guided tour of the inside which involved lots of stairs and walking. You can see why in these photos:

Here are a few photos from inside:

At this point, I lost track of the others so rode the van back down to our bus. Once everyone was aboard, we headed back down

 to Eisenach center to grab a quick bite to eat. Several of us opted to eat in the train station due to tiredness & time restriction. It was a pretty place:

Then off to the Hainich Nature Park. 

At this point, Ruth, Joan N & I were not up to the walk to get to the lookout tower overlooking the canopy of Thuringia Forest. So we stayed in the area of visitor center with a visit to restaurant for ice cream included. We saw a bit of nature ourselves:

 There were at least 5 baby birds in the nest!

 We didn't sit by this lamppost very long!

Pretty flowers

We were rested & revived thanks to shade, ice cream & rest! Once others were back from their tour, we all boarded the bus for the return to Erfurt & Victor's Hotel.

 The injured man is sporting a 'cast' - he burst calcium deposits when bumping/jamming his arm into a pole when trying to catch his balance on the tram. They are glad that they purchased trip insurance!
We had a delicious buffet dinner here in the hotel with most retiring to their rooms soon afterwards. They had a physical day!! I leave you with this photo: