We were expecting to catch the 9:45am train to Prien, but at the 8:30a. Briefing John suddenly sprung it on us that we should catch the 8:47am. the rush was on because we had to walk along a long platform; it seemed like a kilometre; we made it with a couple of minutes to spare. The country side was lovely farmland with the Bavarian Alps with just a little of the winter snow on them as a back drop. The rain was clearing as we left Munich but light rain began again at Prien. While walking from the station we discovered an old steam train (Chiemseebahn) which we could catch to the ferry which in turn would take us on a fifteen minute ride across the Chiemsee Lake to Herreninsel Island. There weather cleared miraculously as we boarded the ferry. The island is 240 Hectares in area; the pathway along which we walked was of forest, horse and cattle grazing grasslands and eventually beautiful gardens surrounding a 19th century castle built at the extravagant expense of legendry King Ludwig II. The scenery is breath taking. From the front of the castle you can look over many fountains in the gardens to the left and right of a wide path (about 40 metres wide) which became a fine grass lawn bounded by on each side, green forests before reaching the lake side. We were provided with an English speaking guide for a tour of the castle. The artwork on the walls and ceiling was absolutely stunning. The walls of the entrance hall way were Italian marble as was the stairways. Artworks and sculptures abounded and brought gasps of astonishment when we first entered. Cameras were at the ready: I nearly cried when our guide told us that no photos were allowed to be taken; I would have had a ball. Never mind I bought some later. The paintings on the ceilings were spectacular. The artwork must have taken years to complete. On our return to the ferry Fay and I rode on a wagon drawn by two large draught horses. We enjoyed lunch by the ferry wharf in the sunshine before re-boarding the ferry to retrace our steps back to Munich arriving at mid afternoon. Fay wanted some wool and needles so she could knit while I blog. After quite a little bit of street walking mainly in the wrong direction we eventually found a large department store quite close to our hotel. Fay is now happy.
You will have to use your imagination with the titles to the pictures. I have not yet worked out how to put them in the correct position.
<-- Reg and others get a ride to the Castle
Ready for the weather 
Waiting for the steam train
All aboard
The Lake area
Waiting for the steam train
All aboard
The Lake area
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