The Watchman

German travel photo: statue of watchman on stone bridge over Danube, Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

The stone watchman sits gazing towards the cathedral in Regensburg, keeping an eye on its progress.

The legend goes:

There was a competition between the bridge maker and the cathedral maker on who would finish first. The Devil heard of this and approached the bridge maker. In exchange for the soul of the first to cross the completed bridge, he would help the bridge maker finish first. The bridge maker accepted the deal. However, being a bridge maker, it was his duty to be the first across the bridge to show that it wouldn’t fall apart. Some years later the day finally came, the bridge was finished, well before the cathedral. So there the bridge maker stood, looking at his new masterpiece as it gracefully spanned the mighty Danube, remembering his deal with the Devil. Now, The bridge maker was no stupid man and had no intention of giving his soul to the Devil. He took off his hat and through it across the bridge; his dog quickly running after it, the first to cross the bridge…

German travel photo: stone bridge over Danube, Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

Regensburg

Regensburg is a cool city that I’ve visited a few times now, as it is only about an hour away, and has really good pizza! The city itself was spared “remodeling” during the war, so unlike Nürnberg or Berlin, the city center is pretty much in original condition, and even includes the remains of old Roman walls from the 2nd century.

German travel photography: colorful architecture in Regensburg. © Cody Duncan Photography

German travel photography: historic architecture in Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

German travel photography: Street sign, Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

German travel photography: crowd of people watching street performers, Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

German travel photography: interior of Dom cathedral Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

German travel photography: night time exterior of Dom cathedral Regensburg, Germany. © Cody Duncan Photography

Walhalla

“Who built this thing?” I ask, as the Walhalla appears on a hill in the distance.

“Ohhh, some 19th century megalomaniac Bavarian king…” Sabine replies, as if I should now be used to odd structures made by 19th century Bavarian kings with minor psychological problems.

So, who would have ever thought that there is a giant copy of the Greek Parthenon overlooking the Danube. Anyhow, its a pretty cool place, albeit a bit crowded on a nicer that average February Sunday. The local farmer’s wife was sure making a killing charging 1.50 Euro for the parking…

Germany travel photo: Walhalla temple in Bavaria.  © Cody Duncan Photography

Germany travel photo: Walhalla temple in Bavaria.  © Cody Duncan Photography

Germany travel photo: Walhalla temple in Bavaria.  © Cody Duncan Photography

Germany travel photo: Walhalla temple in Bavaria.  © Cody Duncan Photography

burg eisenberg

Set ablaze in September 1646 during the late days of the 30 years war to keep it from falling into the hands of the approaching Swedish led Protestant army.

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stone graffiti

On the Bastei bridge in Sächsische Schweiz.
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Eastside

A few more pics from the Sierra eastside, Bodie and Tuolumne.

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Allgäu = Beautiful

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the machine

Took a little walk along the shore of the river Warnow and decided to climb into the sky…

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Scotland: Haunted Castles and Enchanted Forests

Been a busy month: Scotland to England to Wales to England and now Germany again.

The days are short and cold; the nights long and dark. I’m doing my best just to keep warm…

© Cody Duncan Photography. Silhouette of Gylen castle on Kerrera Island, Scotland

© Cody Duncan Photography. Foggy forest after rain near Pitlochry, Scotland