Spring arrives in the Alps, the snow returns (in April) – but real Bavarian ‘Men’ don’t let that stop them surfing in on the Isar River (Eisbach in Munich) – at night!

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This week’s blog contrasts quite considerably with my last entry. I might be criticised for having exposed a bit too much flesh last week however with my arrival in the Alps there is no fear of that happening today. I have arrived back in Bavaria and we have just moved over to summer time despite the area being covered in snow.

However, being good environmentally friendly types, RISKKO and I decided to brave the snow and take ourselves off to the local recycling centre. Yes, do not let it be said that this blog is not exciting! In addition to taking the ‘Envirodog’ down to the recycling centre we took the opportunity to benefit from special off-season rates at the local outdoor swimming pool (well RISKKO did – I had to look after the camera!).

In addition, in order to show you how my Bavarian colleagues do not let the snow (or lack of day light) put them off their water sports I would like to share with you a video which was made by truly dedicated local surfer Maximilian Schwarzkopf (filmed with help from Colin Stewart whose name clearly indicates he is from a part of the UK that is even further north than Yorkshire!). Many people who are familiar with Munich will know that the Isar river and particularly the spot known as Eisbach are popular destinations for river surfers. However what few appreciate is that these water sports activities continue into the Winter – with a little help from Neoprene. In fact the truly committed enthusiasts go surfing at night (after seeing the video you might think they should be committed!). If you have never experienced ‘surfin in the snow at night’ I think you will enjoy the following video.

Winter Eisbach from Big Col on Vimeo.

I have also added a few pictures of the local scenery and some of the village sites in Bad Feilnbach. If you are interested in Doggy news I have posted a couple of articles on RISKKO’s own website. There can be reached using the following links:

24th March 2013: Alert for Canine Poisoners – meatballs containing deadly slug bait – Countrywide hunt for dog murderers

23rd March 2013: Gay dog saved from being put down – death sentence fear for ‘abnormal’ dog behaviour

Meanwhile enjoy the pictures. It is time for a nice warm chocolate! For more info about the video made by the night surfers in the Munich English Garden (at Eisbach on the River Isar) please see the end of this weeks blog.

Environmentally friendly dog RISKKO. Recycling doesn’t stop just because the weather is cold!

RISKKO the ‘Envirodog’ disposing of household waste at the Alpine recycling centre near Bad Feilnbach (in the snow).

RISKKO meets his old friend the Alpine Bear during the his walk through the Bad Feilnbach forests

RISKKO enjoys the April snow in the Alps with his friend the Alpine Bear.

Beautiful Alpine river scene captured during the April snow as we trek back from the recycling centre

The Alpine Heavenly Trail that RISKKO and I follow when we return from our trips to the recycling centre

The Alpine Heavenly Trail in Bad Feilnbach starts with the creation of the world and the departure of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden

RISKKO and the Alpine Bear sitting on a statue to celebrate the creation of the world and the departure from the Garden of Eden (a suitable venue for Easter Monday)

More beautiful alpine scenery from our April visit to the nature park in Bad Feilnbach. Yes it is April – so Spring has officially arrived!

RISKKOs sledge was just big enough for one dog and a small alpine bear: time for fun on the snow-covered slopes.

RISKKO practices for next year’s Bavarian naked sledging contest (Nackt Rodeln) on the Alpine slopes near home

Observe that look of determination on RISKKO’s face as he prepares for the canine winter olympics on his sledge (with a bit of support from the alpine bear)

Next stop for the Alpine Sports team was the open air swimming pool in Bad Feilnbach. Today’s temperatures were around freezing (about minus 2C). Oh what fun in the sun!

The good thing about RISKKO’s skinny dipping adventures in Winter is that there is not too much competition in the frozen pool (and we don’t get too much unwanted attention from paparazzi)

If you look carefully you might see RISKKO swimming underwater in the rather cool outdoor pool. However he may be difficult to see because the frozen water has made our skinny dipping hound shrink a little !

Not every open air swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery like this. Now it is time to chip the ice off RISKKO’s towel ! How he loves going for a swim.

In a modern caring society, like the one we have in Bavaria, the rodents do not have to live in the drains. This is Bad Feilnbach’s official rat house

Bad Feilnbach’s beautiful church in the winter sun: Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu

Side view of the proud Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu, on Easter Monday, 2013: April 1st 09:15 hours (note it has already been adjusted for summer time).

Author with RISKKO the ‘Envirodog’ and his pal the Alpine Bear after one of our exciting ‘Spring’ trips to the recycling centre in Bad Feilnbach, Bavaria.

For German Speaking visitors to http://www.ChrisDuggleby.com who would like to read more about the Winter night Surfing Video made on the Eisbach and the two Gentlemen who made it I have included a link to an article this weekend in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. You can find it here

Keep  warm, and if you do go surfing at night don’t forget to take your torch!

Chris Duggleby

After months apart while RISKKO was in Africa his friendship with the Alpine Bear is stronger than ever.