GERMANY: Hiking and the Honour System

John and I were looking forward to doing a lot of hiking in the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest in southwest Germany. 

We had some challenges with the weather. It didn't want to cooperate. 

Turns out this has been the wettest weather in Germany since 1881.

Which would explain why everything is so green and lush.

We did get some hikes in, and, we got to experience the local hospitality with "honour system" beer tubs and schnapps tasting.

We did have pretty (very green) scenery in Bavaria. We held our breath hoping we wouldn't get caught in any rain showers while hiking.

When we got to the top we found we could have taken a much easier route on a gondola. 

But the cows were impressed with our efforts. (Not really.)

We were quite surprised when we found an "honour system" refreshment stand with beers in a tub of cold alpine water. You certainly can't complain about the excellent pricing. 

Later, when we were in the Black Forest area we had a break in the weather so we figured we'd take our chances and head out for another hike.

It was really pretty wandering through the orchards with beautiful rolling hills and fresh fruit.

In the first orchard we found little wooden boxes at the end of the different rows of fruit. We opened the little boxes up and found corresponding schnapps bottles, with honour system little cups to help ourselves.

We weren't exactly sure where this was going to take us, but, it looked like it could be an interesting hike ahead of us.

Until the sky started looking ominous. Again.

We hesitated if we should stop in this little hut for our lunch or press on. Fortunately, we opted to hunker down, because a torrential rainfall quickly ensued. Later we were joined in the hut by 4 locals who were soaked! We were pleased that they were happy to practise their English with us because our German skills are still sorely lacking.

When we headed out again we weren't sure if we'd make it back before we got another deluge.

Fortunately, we stumbled onto more "honour system" schnapps shacks.

This one obviously did not totally trust the "honour system" as they had measured pours and a video camera. Must have been because of the tourists!

We did buy a bottle to take home and enjoy.

Despite getting soaked we were still happy as...