Jan. 27, 2004
Dear Bavarian Alps, Munich and Berlin Participants,
Hope you all had a jolly holiday season and are getting lots of exercise in the new year.
Our trip is filling up nicely with a group of diverse and interesting participants. Below is
the first of several info sheets you'll be receiving in the next several months, including
travel tips, detailed city itineraries, optional concert offerings, suggested reading and
films, and participant list. Please be sure to read them carefully, print them out and bring
them all with you on the trip. They're developed to save you unnecessary hassles and
maximize your satisfaction. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call
or email us.
Please remember that the 2nd deposit, of $1400 per person, is due in by Feb.1, as outlined
in the trip description. Please make the check out to AMC Major Excursions, and mail it
to me at 7 Linway Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773.
FALL WEATHER: TEMERATE CLIMATE:
Germany's climate is temperate, but it can vary from cold spells to warm spells (the
fohn). In the Bavarian Alps it's likely to be cooler than in Munich.
MUNICH's DAYTIME TEMPERATURE, per the guidebooks:
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Average
73
65
50
Min
54
48
40
Max
73
67
56
BERLIN'S AVERAGE DAYTIME TEMPERATURE:
Aug.
Sept. Oct.
62
56
49
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
HIKING/WALKING CLOTHING
All items below are required for the trail, unless listed as optional. Rain parka
and pants, long underwear top, sweater, warm hat and gloves, personal first aid
kit, snacks and water are to be carried in pack at all times. Cotton is not
recommended on the trail except for T-shirts in warm weather. Polypro (including
coolmax, bergelene and other synthetics which wick moisture away from the skin
and which dry quickly) are the best for hiking. Layering is the best approach for
the Alps, where temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly over a
wide range.
2 polypro tops with long sleeves, preferably with zip neck
1 polypro long johns
2 polypro T-shirts or short-sleeved tops (can double for town wear.)
2 pairs hiking shorts
4 pairs polypro underpants
1 pair of pants or slacks (synthetics, no cotton),
4 polypro sock liners
4 medium wool or synthetic hiking socks
Rainproof jacket (Gore-tex or equivalent). Doubles as raincoat in town.
Rainproof pants (Gore-tex or equivalent, side zips preferable for easy on-off).
1 - 2 long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection). Can double in town.
1 vest (fleece or wool)
1 long-sleeved sweater
1 sun hat with good brim
1 warm hat (wool or fleece)
1 pair polypro (light) gloves
1 pair warm gloves (wool or fleece)
1 pair hiking boots (comfortable, well broken in, and sturdy, with well-lugged
Vibram or equivalent soles)
Gaiters (optional, but useful to protect boots/socks from rain or snow.)
Bandanas or sweat bands.
HIKING/WALKING EQUIPMENT:
Camera and lots of color film. (Panorama film is great for the mountains)
Sunglasses (high quality and fairly dark)
Water bottles (one 2-liter or two 1-liter bottles)
Comfortable day pack, preferably with padded belt (sufficient for extra clothing,
equipment, food and water).
Headlamp or small flashlight
Pocket knife (Swiss Army knife does everything!)
Personal first aid kit (moleskin, 2ndskin blister pads, antiseptic, bandaids,
medications, etc.)
Sun crème (SPF 30) and Lipcreme (SPF 30)
Pocket packs of kleenex
Ziplock baggies, for gorp, sandwiches, etc.
Rainproof pack cover or several small garbage bags to put inside your pack to
keep contents dry if rain.
"Space" emergency bag or blanket for personal thermal protection ("Space" is a
brand name.)
Compass.
Small supply of duct tape for occasional repairs.
GENERAL CLOTHING (in addition to Hiking clothing and equipment above):
Remember that Bavaria is a largely Catholic and generally conservative region.
Very short shorts and very bare tops are not appreciated. Comfortable, casual
clothing is the norm. It will be cool to cold in the evenings (wool sweater weather
and maybe a jacket or raincoat as well). Probably no air conditioning either. Most
of this stuff you probably already own. Again, layers and washable, quick-drying
materials are recommended. We'll all be repeating outfits! General rule: pack only
half of what you think you'll need. Save room for goodies you'll buy there. It all
has to fit into one suitcase (preferably on wheels) and one pack, which you'll be
handling yourself!
FOR MEN:
2-3 shirts or knits (turtlenecks or open neck sport shirts, for dinner and cities)
1-2 pairs slacks
1 pair Bermuda shorts
underwear
socks
1 pair comfortable walking shoes
1 pair comfortable indoor shoes
1-2 sweaters or fleece jackets
1 tailored jacket or blazer (for city wear, dinners)
Belts
Toiletries
Medications and prescriptions for same
2 pairs clear eyeglasses, with cases.
German phrase book or small dictionary, alpine flower book, or bird book
Travel guide (Fodor's, Frommer's, DK Travel Guide, or other) and maps
Laundry soap, plastic hangers and clips
Swimsuit
Bathrobe
Washcloth and small hand soap
Slippers with plastic or rubber soles or Tevas
Alarm clock
Kleenex pocket packs
Ear plugs, eye mask, and over-the-counter sleeping medications (for plane or first
few nights in hotel until biological clock is reset.)
Voltage converter and German plug (or better yet, leave electrical appliances at
home.)
Umbrella, packable raincoat, or rainproof parka
FOR WOMEN:
2-3 blouses or knit tops
1 nice outfit for special evenings in the city: dress or blouse/pants
1-2 pairs of slacks, or one slacks and one skirt
1 pair Bermuda shorts or skort (shorts with a front flap like a skirt)
Costume jewelry only (no valuable jewelry. Avoid theft or loss.)
Several bras and underpants
2 wool sweaters or cardigans
1-2 belts
1 pair very comfortable flat shoes (running or walking shoes)
1 pair sturdy comfortable indoor shoes or sandals with thick soles
Socks and/or stockings
Cosmetics
Medications and prescriptions for same
Supply of day panty liners (for the mountains)
2 pairs clear eyeglasses, with cases
German phrase book or small dictionary, alpine flower book, or bird book
Travel guide (Fodor's, Frommer's, DK Travel Guide or other) and maps
Large Purse or fanny pack, worn in the front (to avoid pickpockets)
Small purse or fanny pack for evenings
Laundry soap, rubber gloves, plastic hangers and clips.
Washcloth and small hand soap
Nightgown and robe.
Swimsuit
Slippers with plastic or rubber soles, or Tevas
Scarves
Alarm clock
Ear plugs, eye mask and over-the-counter sleeping medications (for plane or first
few nights in hotel until biological clock is reset.)
Voltage converter and German plug (or better yet, leave electrical appliances at
home.)
Umbrella, packable raincoat, or rainproof parka