European Dream Show: Adore the Shore

From the boat in the middle of Lake Zurich. This scene reminded me of my Uncle Bill Berra's paintings.

The European Dream Show started with my arrival first in Switzerland where I spent five days along the shores of Lake Zurich with the Luger Family, Gabriella, Hubert, and their son Simon.  They live in a five hundred year old house, just to give you an idea, that’s way wolder than any building here in the U.S.  During the summer the lake offers swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, and a beautiful reflection of surrounding mountains and the setting sun.  Any local will proudly boast that the lake is so clean you can drink the water in the middle.  While I didn’t attempt it myself the water is amazingly clean and clear. 

The gratuitous postcard sunset shot.

Look closely and you'll see the castle in Rapperswil.

Another William Berra cloud and water inspired vision.

Swimmers prepare for the August 1st Swiss Independence Day swim from the island of Ufenau across to the eastern shore.

Ufenau, a small island in the southern area of the lake. It acts as a nature preserve and houses a centuries old church and small traditional restaurant.

When I returned from the Dolomites I spent a few days in Zurich and made some nice rides around the lake, I remember almost laughing when I realized that this would be the longest and biggest hill of my ninety mile ride, quite a change from Dolomitan topography.

The Swiss are known for their watches and impeccable timing. Here is a "green" Swatch in the big city of Zurich along the lake. The weather Gods were amazing the whole trip, my gratitude to them.

August 1st is the Swiss National Day. I was already in Europe when the 4th of July came around soit was fun to see at least one Independence day this year. There were small kids setting of loud fireworks, BBQ's with sausages, and bonfires all around the lake. This picture here is of a pyre, about twelve feet tall, set fire once it was dark.

The castle in Rapperswil. In the U.S. this would be a tourist haven and known throughout the country. Here in Europe it's just another everyday sight since one out of three towns has somehting similar. Craftsmanship, attention to detail, hardwork, the right material, and you too can build something that will provide shelter for a long, long time.

The paddle-boat is one way to get to the other side of the lake. There is also a car ferry up the road. Ths boat makes a neat sound as the paddles clip through the smooth surface of the lake early in the morning. Swimmer in the foreground enjoying a dip.

The sunset here garners the attention of all.

When I see this picture, and I know it comes from a reality, I think, "It would be nice for my mind to be a smooth wooden row-boat sitting ready on a calm lake."

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