Having put a few things in suitcases last evening, we were able to get on the road early for the first leg of our trip to Switzerland. We traveled as far as this classic French village of Rouffach and checked in to our hotel, Chateau d'Isenbourg overlooking the village.

On very well maintained highways, we drove through Luxembourg into France. We are in Alsace-Lorraine and there are vineyards all around. They are just beginning their spring growth as the weather is warming. It is a warm sunny afternoon and we have just returned from a swim in a very nice indoor pool with a view of the Rhine Valley.

Marie had made reservations in a fantastic French restaurant, ??? . Visitors dining there were from neighboring countries and many were staying in our hotel.