This year's summer trip was six weeks of moving all over Europe. We began in Paris, where we met our friends Angie and Steve, stayed over, then we all headed for Tours, France and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After the race, we flew to Munich for a few days then took the train to Graz, Austria to catch up with Angie and Steve again for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. After that race, we trained to Vienna to visit the family and then on to Prague to catch our river cruise. Cruised north toward Berlin on the River Elbe, stopping at Dresden and other spots along the way. We spent two days in Berlin, then back onto the train headed for Amsterdam and onward to our favorite spa location, the Ons Krijtland Hotel in Epen, Holland, to hike and relax for a week. We know, that sounds strange, but hiking, beer, a balcony, a good restaurant and relaxation go rather well together. So let's begin the blow-by-blow.
Welcome to Le Mans from Bibendum:
Another 24 Hour event goes into the books. Won this year by Porsche, after a long absence from the Le Mans game. Winner was the #19 Porsche 919 Hybrid driven by Nick Tandy, Earl Bamber, and Nico Hulkenberg (of Formula 1 fame). Second place was the other Porsche, driven in part by Mark Webber (also of Formula 1 fame).
Here are a few views that are different from previous years. A view through the fence at dusk:
Over on the north side, just past the Dunlop bridge:
Food priorities, les pommes frites:
Checkered flag!
Salute to the winners and survivors:
Champagne!
And the fans take over the track:
