15 May
A short drive today of only 50kms, passing the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle high on the hillside which we’ve decided we’ll attempt to cycle to in the coming days. Into the village of Riquewihr, not impressed with the camp here, so we back tracked a few kms to Ribeauvillé and found Camp Pierre Coubertin, the Municipal camp (17.40 Euro ).
Happy here and a visitor to welcome us! Parked up and went for our first explore into the village. 'Mum Stork' has chosen a great spot for her nest!16 May
An exciting day ahead, we’re biking to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, an imposing structure far in the distance. An amazing ride through vineyards, orchards and into the woods. Here we began a steep 15km climb up into the mountains through pretty wine villages until we could see the turreted red sand-stone Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (640 metre altitude). 
Legs feeling a little wobbly, we bought tickets (18 euros for two), and went exploring. Took in the incredible Medieval furniture and weapons. 
This thirteenth century castle had a turbulent 800-year history! Home to noble families from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries, the Castle was rebuilt in 1479, demolished during the 'Thirty Years War', then reconstructed by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1908. 
We admired the wrap-around panoramas from it’s ramparts taking in the Vosges, the Black Forest and evidently on cloud free days you can also see the Alps. Enjoyed the alternative route homeward bound, though somewhat chilly on the steep descents, the wine villages (including St-Hippolyte) we passed, were well worth the effort! In the evening went back into Ribeauvillé and sampled the local Reisling and Beer and had a wonderful rump steak dinner (24 euros for two). A fantastic 35km ride.
17 May
Ribeauvillé is famous for it’s ‘Three Castles, all situated on the same mountain and forming part of our panorama from the camp. Decided we would like to see them close up!! Explored Ribeauvillé as we walked to the opposite end to a path sign posted the ‘Three Castles’. This pretty wine village with it’s winding alleys and half-timbered houses is set in a valley presided over by Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. 
We set off on a picturesque, shaded trail into the woods and passed the beautiful church, Notre-Dame de Dusenbach Pilgrimage, a renowned, common Pilgrimage in Alsace. 
A steep climb to the top following separate trails to each of the ‘Three Castles’ - Saint Ulrich Castle, Haut-Ribeaupierre and Giersberg, prestigious fortresses and forming residences to powerful Lords from the twelfth century. 
The Castles overlook Ribeauvillé and the plain. 12kms and we arrived back at camp.
18 May
Used the 'rain day' to catch up on chores and relax after a couple of exacting days.
19 May
Today a 52km return bike ride to Colmar, the Alsatian wine capital and birthplace of Statue of Liberty creator Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. 
A fantastic ride following the ‘Route des Vins’ through the vineyards, orchards, wheat fields and wine villages including Bennwihr and into Colmar. A very pretty small city of pastel coloured half-timbered houses, pedestrian cobblestone streets, alfresco eateries, cafes and canals. 
Strolled the streets to Petite Venice with it’s maze of canals and ate our ham and cheese filled baguettes which we bought in the covered food market. 
Coffees in one of the little alfresco restaurants opposite the Brocante Market (Antique Market) in the Square. The Brocante Markets are always wonderful in France, so many beautiful things! 
Back at camp we were lucky enough to be joined by two friendly Storks, they enjoyed a cheese snack.
20 May
Pam allowed us a day off and a relax in the sun! Phew!!
21 May
A steep but lovely 15km ride through the vineyards following the ‘Route des Vins’ to the little town of Hunawihr,set on a hillside with it’s sixteenth century fortified church. 
Continued upward to our next stop Riquewihr which we found ‘enchanting’. Lovely cobblestone main thoroughfare lined with pastel coloured half-timbered houses, alfresco eateries, wine caves, craft shops, cheese shops and bakeries. 
Sampled a couple of tasty macaroons, evidently a tradition since coconuts were bought here in 1700, strolled the twisting lanes and explored the ‘arty courtyards’. Medieval ramparts enclose the entire ‘walkable centre’. 
Took an alternative route home which was not quite as steep, through the vineyards and passed the 'Three Castles'.
23 May
Walked to the supermarket in-between downpours!
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