Where Samuel Irmiger emmigrated from. Where we originated -- sleepy picturesque rural German-Swiss town about half way between Zurich and Bern. Note flowerbox below the sign...
No explanation necessary -- Menziken, Switzerland.
One end of Irmiger Street in Menziken, Switzerland.
Another shot of the now vacant lot where the Irmiger farmhouse and homestead stood until 1985. The buildings in the background and to the side are new. I am barefoot.
Most of the original Irmiger farm was sold-off for residential development. This vacant lot is where the house stood until torn down in 1985. This is where my Great-grandfather lived in Menziken, Switzerland until he came to America in the 1850s. Samuel's father Heinrich raised cattle and honey bees. Barefoot Don Irmiger in July 1994.
This is the shot I that went 1/2 around the globe to get. At age 84 and currently in frail health I wanted to do this visit while he was still able to appreciate it. Arnold Irmiger and Don Irmiger Jr. in Wabern, Switzerland in July 1994.
Don Irmiger Jr. and Arnold Irmiger at home of Arnold in July 1994.
Arnold & Elsa Irmiger has us at their home for supper -- a tray of local cheeses and fruit. Arnold is the LAST male Irmiger -- the last anykind of Irmiger on the east side of the Atlantic. He is 84 and wife Elsa is 80.
Arnold's daughter Christine Irmiger Guggisberg in Switzerland in July of 1994 with Don Jr.
Christine Irmiger Guggisberg and her husband (master tourguide and owner of the Harley) with Renee in front of a restaurant in Switzerland. Note flag...
Had my bath -- and beer -- and a good nights' sleep. So now we take off to see Europe -- camping gear in the big roll on the back.
NO LEFT TURN! That's several thousand feet almost straight down -- and no guard rail. The BMW performed flawlessly! 4,000 miles in 5 weeks and not a mechanical complaint.
Rest stop along the road in southern Germany -- Alps in the background. Note ski lift crosses the road.
Town square out in front of our hotel in Riva di Garda, Italy. Big lake out in front of the hotel directly behind the photographer.
The PRIMO of all motorcycle rides -- to the top of the Grossglockner Pass. Takes an hour from the valley to top of the pass many thousands of feet of elevation. Austria.
Renee ouside of hotel room on the balcony in North Italy Dolomite mountains.
