The Rocher (Rock) of Dabo

For fun, let us start with tonight's dinner that was cooked by Michele's dad, Rene.

 It's an Alsacian speciality called Choucroute with spaetzle, sausages and ham.

For dessert, we were joined by Michele's mother Paulette . . .

. . . and her Dad, Rene.

Rene couldn't stay for long; there was a World Cup match about to start. 

Today's adventure was a short distance away at a place called Dabo.

It is in Lorraine in the Vosges and is the highest point for many kms.

On top of the Rock is a small church

The church is easily reached by steps

Although, being so high, it was very windy.

Inside the church

We climb the church tower for some great views but the open verandah at the top was scary.

Jenni and Michele with the forests of Lorraine in the background

Near the rock is a small cafe where we had a light lunch.

The rock itself is extremely interesting.

On top of a layer of sandstone, was a layer of small round polished stones.

Then there was another layer of sandstone followed by another layer of polished stones.

This indicates that the rock was once an ocean bed and then a river, and then ocean bed and a river again.

An uplift occurred 200 million years ago that formed the rock.

The rest of the countyside wore away over 200 million years and left the rock exposed.

The views from here are spectacular.

A village nestles in between the surrounding forests.

This is our last day in Alsace and tomorrow we return to Germany where once again Jenni is to be indulged.