My written journal quote from 5/30/2005:

I currently find myself on a ferry riding down the Rhein from Cologne to Bonn. It's a gloomy day, but the rain doesn't hide the coast line or scattered housing and boats passing.

I'm sure that on a sunny or weekend day that this ferry would be full with tourist, but not today. On this day, the travelers on board are not tourist...other than myself. All are retired, with white hair and looking forward to their scenic ferry tour and breakfast of coffee, ham and hard boiled egg. It's obviously a day out for them and their enjoying it to the fullest.

As I sit in the back alone, with at least 25 years less their senior, I enjoy the scene and sound. There is an accordianst on board and I think of my Dad.

He smiles back at me and works his way through the tables while the travelers the lyrics to german folk songs. He plays Edelweiss, from the Sound of Music for me...and everyone sang it in German...it was great!

Unfortunatly, I won't be on board after they have their lunch time beer, what a treat that would have been.