Inside The Travel

Garmisch, Germany boasts of many things - the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, perfectly-carved wooden houses with flowerboxes that spill over with color, the delicate edelweiss alpine blossoms, mouth-watering schnitzel, stout German beer, and a myriad of talented local craftsmen. But did you know that at the edge of this quaint, picture-perfect town lies a violent display of Mother Nature? Known in German as the ‘Partnachklamm’, it hides behind the old Olympic Stadium and attracts hundreds of hikers each year.

So what exactly is the Partnachklamm? In a nutshell, it’s a struggle to the death - a knock-down, drag-out brawl between the Partnach River and a limestone gorge. The river peacefully runs through the trees until it hits the 262-foot tall gorge. From there the river’s personality turns to fury as it slams into the rock walls, throwing its temper tantrum for over 2,300 feet before calming down again and continuing to flow through the Bavarian countryside. Visitors follow a carved-out rock path from the entrance to the gorge and up a gradual incline to experience firsthand what nature is capable of. Don’t forget your raincoat, though! You may be able to avoid the mist from the tumbling cascades but the spray from the waterfalls above will most definitely christen you!

There are several ways to experience the Partnachklamm, each holding its own delight for the visitor. Late spring through summer will provide a green backdrop on the limestone rocks while the chilly alpine waters almost deafen its company. In colder months, the gorge becomes an enchanting world of icicles and snow. Check first before showing up during the winter, thoughtoo much snow and ice will force the gorge to close for safety reasons. It’s also possible to visit during the day or the night - daytime offers better views while the warming sunbeams force their way through the foliage. After dark, torch-lit tours are offered, giving the gorge a mystical quality. Regardless of season or time of day, once you’ve made your way through this hidden natural treasure, continue up the mountain for a robust hike and then relax at the Forsthaus Graseck’s restaurant. The food is excellent and the views are breathtaking. While indulging in their cuisine, ponder how you’ll get back down - take the same path through the gorge or a restful two-minute ride down in the cable car. Either way, a trip to the Partnachklamm is well worth it!

See pictures of the Partnachklamm and more of Europe’s hidden treasures in “Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal” by Vicki Landes. Available at Amazon.com and other major bookseller sites.

www.EuropeForTheSenses.com

Vicki Landes has been soaking up Europe for the last six and a half years. Although educated in music and holding a day job in the humanitarian assistance field, her free time is spent supporting her travel and photography addictions. With a current list of 45 countries under her belt, Landes strives to find the overlooked details that make each place distinctive and unique. She currently lives in Stuttgart, Germany with her military husband and their son.

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Create your own Arizona day trip experience!

Whether you wish to plan a trip to see nature and wildlife, learn about the history of the southwest or just want to get away from it all Arizona has a variety of places to see and things to do that will interest any recreational adventurer.

Day trips make a refreshing break from the chaos of the daily routine. They can also be cheap, since many of the areas are distant from the city.

Arizona features a surprising range of terrain that includes desert, grassy lowlands and vegetated mountain regions. The climate found across the state also shows much variety. And you don’t have to travel far to appreciate this assortment of scenery. In the summer you can take a break in the cool, nearby hills, while the lower lying areas are more popular in the winter months.

Arivaca is in Southern Arizona. The community is 56 miles southwest of Tucson on Interstate 19 approximately 11 miles from the Mexico border.

Father Kino was one of the first Europeans to visit this region. He visited the Pima Indians in 1695. In 1833, the Mexican government granted Tomas and Ignacio Ortiz. They soon gained ownership where the brothers built the Aribac Ranch and raised cattle and horses.

In 1856, the Ortiz brothers sold the land to the Sonora Exploring and Mining Company and the ranch soon became an active mining community. But when the mines closed the area was largely abandoned.

Charles Poston acquired the property in 1870 then transferred his rights to the Arivaca Land and Cattle Company. The U.S. Government did not recognize the title so the land was declared public property.

Today, Arivaca is the home of about eight cattle ranches. The region is ideal for cattle grazing and orchards. The town has a community center, two tennis courts, two softball fields and a library.

The area’s rural character makes it perfect for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. There is some vegetation, but also a lot of desert. The area is home to many species of birds, including hawks, ducks, songbirds and the strikingly beautiful “fully red” male Summer Tanager

Arivaca Lake is a 90-acre well-stocked lakes maintained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It is a quiet and peaceful place to visit but does require a bit of hiking to find.

The lake is secluded and is ideal for bird watching and lakeside walks. Lucky anglers will find the lake stocked with large-mouthed bass, bluegill and catfish.
The history of the region is whispered from the thresholds of the many ghost towns that mark the settlement of earlier travelers
Plenty of ghost towns

The Tumacacori National Monument mission and Tumacacori National Monument are places of important historical significance.

The southwestern climate features mild winters and scorching summers; but this climate is well suited for the camping and hiking so popular to visitors.

See which features of this community appeal to you the most.

History, nature, and memorable experiences are all a part of what Arizona offers those who live, work, and visit. So consider the things this area has to offer the next time you take off to discover Arizona

R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers. Comments and ideas are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com.

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