Wallgau, Germany

Dolph's Letter #87

Dear Sweetheart -

I knew I forgot something in my letters yesterday - to thank you honey for the two lovely Anniversary Cards. Sorry I wasn't able to get something appropriate.

For those how gloves I received from you strike in the month come in handy around here, when the nip about especially a trip about the South? How did it materialize?

Well now a little something about my trip here + this place.

Kaufbeuren is only about 2 to hours from here, but shortly after we left it was apparent that I was in for a delightful surprise.

On my right as we came down was a portion of the Swiss Alps, but they faded from view every once in a while + then disappeared after about an hour. Somebody must have sheen them up. Immediately it became apparent that central Germany, where I had been two weeks previous, was rather unlike this section. The horizon was much further away. Everything took on the aspect of expansiveness, even the trees looked taller. I guess it was all preparation for what followed for soon hills loomed in front of us their sides carpeted with a moss-like grass which I knew would feel like velvet. I have never seen anything like that. Dotting the hillsides like accents were tiny log cabins - I believe for the story of produce. Many of these cabins were unfamiliar in design having a bowed effect

[small sketch of a barrel/bowed roof shape]

something like that. And as we travelled a long tortuous (winding) road great ravines would be bridged + below the water - whitish in color - often white - would rush at great speed. It looked icy cold. And so we went on + on + up + up + there staring us in the face were mountains + about their timber line snow would gracefully occupy the crevices, a little here + a little below following the rocky side like a glove which is rent in many places + where there was no snow the granite countenance of these imposing giants stare at you.

Then we came in closer, down down to a valley where in little villages clustered around a good sized town + the houses became of more than passing interest for here was where I was to ride. Most all the houses are whitewashed or "yellowwashed" on the outside + practically all have some decoration - religious figures, religious paintings, designs painted about the windows + shutters, + the name of the owner is painted in large script. Many of the houses, including this hotel have a balcony or porch extending all the way round. That first night with the outfit I was quartered in a Field Marshall's home. Nothing pretentious, but my window looked up a lovely terraced garden which belonged to the house. Quite comfortable, but had to move from the town to a village which the company I was assigned occupies. This hotel is quite comfortable - all the furniture reminds me of Grand Rapids furniture - cheap imitation, but it's comfortable. I like best my view. My windows are really French Doors opening out to a porch + not 500 yds. away a mountain towers above me + in whichever direction I turn more mountains. Very picturesque.

The people too are picturesque. The men walk about in short leather pants - amusing at first. But quite like the rest of Germany - the women do all the work. Can't get over that. Not uncommon to see a man's wife carrying, she burdened with a heavy pack, he quite free except for a walking stick.

But all this can't possibly be really meaningful without you at my side. You give beauty.

I love you so much dear. I miss you very much. May we soon be reunited.

Take good care of yourself.

Your devoted husband
who always joins you
in dreamland

Dolph