Frankfurt to Bad Neuenahr, Germany by Train
Riding on the train from the airport in Frankfurt, the line follows the Rhine River on its western bank. It's not a high speed line, along the route the hills are covered by vineyards, with castles at their peaks, as if watching over them or extracting a toll from the river travellers. On the river below them is a lively flow of boats; cruise ships, barges and tankers, among others. Occasionally the train passes through centuries old villages. I change trains in Koblenz, and again in Remagen (where Patton first crossed the Rhine in 1945) for Bad Neuenahr.
The trees are full and green with a the distinctive yellows and reds of fall, with the fall colors just at about their peak. There are plenty of fallen leaves along the footpaths, with the weather slightly chilly and overcast. Coming from a hot summer in Arizona, I found it refreshing.