> Across Europe <

SFO -> MUC

uhr-Oma

Arthurhaus Ritt

Zell Am Sea

Moßhammer

Salzburg

Klamme

falconry

> London <

> Munich <

We pass through a gate after paying the fee, pass under the stone arch, and are able to see the ramparts.

After only a few more steps on the well-manicured path the castle comes into view.

We pass by what I think is the caretaker's house. It's a beautiful wooden structure, festooned with stunning flowers in boxes and hangers.

Soon we hear the shrieks of the birds of prey, and as we walk up the lawn to the shade structures we come eye to eye with the raptors (each placed in front of a bit of Renaissance art).

My cousin Myra watches the goings-on. I haven't seen her since my trip to her home on Eivissa.

Isaac and Rose get a good seat for the demonstration. It was crowded, and not everyone got a place to sit. The sunlight was bright; we took pains to protect Isaac from sunburn. Slathering a screaming baby with aloe isn't anything I ever want to do; just thinking about it gives me the shivers.

The demonstration started with a small hawk. Then a larger bird, a vulture or another hawk. Then an owl. Soon several raptors - each of a different size and shape - were flying, whirling, and screaming around our heads. The falconeers were doing a great job with the birds. They had our attention, and usually that of the birds. (Only rarely did a bird stray from the birder's plans.)

The costumes are impressive too; well-used leather and canvas. Treats for the birds in the satchels. Some interesting hats. It was a great way to get into the feel of being in a time several hundred years past. After the show we saw more period antiques and artifacts around the birding area. Then we hiked to the uppermost levels of the castle to get that special view of the valley, the one that the baron must have enjoyed.

Next, it's Londontown.