24-31 May 2015

Monday was a holiday and offices closed. Elaine and I drove over to Rudesheim on the Rhine River just west of Wiesbaden, and took a leisurely drive up highway 42 along the east side of the Rhine. It wasn't a particularly nice day--mostly overcast--but we needed the diversion. Glad we did. Rudesheim is the jumping off spot for river trips, but we decided to wait for a sunny day to do the river trip. We saw all of the famous romantic castles and ruins along the Rhine, including the famous Loreley where beautiful singing lured river boat captains to their demise on its rocks. We passed through tiny river villages like Niederwald, Assmannshausen, Lorch, Im Bachergrund, Kaub,

Loreley on Rhine

Dorscheid, and Sankt Goarshausen. It was fun to see the big transport barges heavily ladened with coal and other things slugging their way up the river against the current. At Sankt Goarshausen, we took highway 274 east over the hills into the forest and farmlands. This trip would be best either in earlier spring-when the fields of grape seed are brilliant yellow-or in the fall when the leaves are all in color. We wound up back in Wiesbaden and took the 66 back to Frankfurt. All-in-all a pleasant few hours spent together along the Rhine. Sunday was typical. I have conducted sacrament meeting during the five Sundays in May. I'm looking forward to somewhat of a break from the pressure of conducting. I wish that I had the opportunity to speak German during the day; it would help my fluency, in which I feel grossly lacking. We said goodbye to the Kagel's on Sunday who have completed their public affairs mission here and are returning to Salt Lake City. Last week we said goodbye to the Johansens. He was the executive secretary for the Europe presidency. They returned to Salt Lake City. We are losing 2-3 more couples soon (Vassels, Pfeils, etc). It is sad to see people go with whom we have become good friends. But two new couples are coming (Walkers and Galbraiths). Elder Galbraith is a retired Marine (flew helicopters), so, we should have something to talk about. In July-August the Area Presidency here is to be reorganized. Pres Tiexiera leaves and is reassigned in South America (Argentina I believe) and Elder Johnson comes to be a counselor. Elder Kearon will be president and Elder Dyches remains as 2nd counselor.

Barge on Rhine

Carl Jung Winery and Castle

Loreley