![]() There’s a warm, well maybe not, but at least dry room at the end of the day, should we make it. We have to keep our spirits high, we have to accept that we were dealt a card. ![]() No, we continue to walk, keeping ever so slightly warm. Standing in the rain getting colder by the second from the wet is not particularly appealing. We don’t take any breaks because, well, what’s the point. They are dripping, we may as well be hiking in big wet socks. We are both wearing trail runners, because they are lighter and smaller, they get wet quickly but also dry quicker. Not really, we are hastily dodging water, hopping across rocks, slipping in mud all in a futile attempt to keep dry which is utterly ridiculous because if we had stopped for a second to take a look at ourselves we would have realised we were already completely drenched. For we are not hikers, we are captains navigating the mighty rivers of the Tyrolean Alps. The path barely exists, it’s a river now. The walk is long and wet and it doesn’t stop raining. Once we arrive there after 20 minutes or so we are 1800M above sea level.įrom here we take a long walk down to the lower pastures of Kleiner Ahornboden. We are walking to the summit of Hochalmsattel Saddleback. Setting off we take a right from the lodge and head east further into the Tyrolean Alps on a slight incline. We have to walk precisely 19KM with an elevation gain of 1350M (a lot more than yesterday) and an elevation loss of 1150M, and it’s pissinggggg it down. The guide says it should take around 7 1/2 hours. ![]() I can’t resist, this is the type of landscape photography I love.Īfter we enjoy the landscapes we crack on. The quest: survive the rainīefore we head off I’m already stumbling around in my bag trying to find my camera, packed away from the rain. We’re not sure if the visibility will get any better throughout the day – but if the mood continues, we’re in for a treat. ![]() It sneaks past the lodge and falls down the mountain into the lower valley like a waterfall of cloud. The fog slithers through the high valley floor, coming from the direction we will head. The views over the Tyrolean Alps are impressive and the weather and rain clouds are creating some dramatic eerie scenes. There is an outdoor area which we are certain is cracking in the summer. We’ve been out in worse weather.īefore setting off, we take a walk around the lodge. We both have waterproof jackets and rain covers for our rucksacks. We have cereal bars for breakfast and then brave the rain. Groggily we head down to the restaurant and drink a ridiculously expensive bad tasting coffee. However, do not let that deter you from the story ahead, because it’s an eventful and beautiful day to say the least. The view from the corridor is a dismal yet precise and consistent representation of the day to come. This scene is already set – it’s wet, grey and miserable. Still, we probably won’t hurt as much as we did after climbing Dachstein. Especially when it comes with 20 more the next day, and the day after. 18KM is a sizeable amount to walk in one day. We’re fairly sure we’re going to be hurting as well in the morning. We go to sleep slightly apprehensive about the next day and what it will bring. That’s fine, we can deal with that, but it sucks for the other groups, they have to make arrangements and change their reservations and routes. We were slightly nervous about our route but as it turns out, ours should be passable, just not great weather and visibility. ![]() The weather forecast was snow fall for some of the higher elevations and rain everywhere else.Ī lot of the other groups were advised not to take their planned routes through the Karwendel area of the Tyrolean Alps because it would be dangerous. He was giving out weather forecasts and it wasn’t great. One of the owners of the hut checked in with each group and asked them about their route (including ours) for the next day. We did however, learn something about the next day. If you missed the first part of our hike go and read that first! Forecast: rotten Caroline was absolutely correct when she said I would be disappointed. There were a couple of tables, not enough to fit everyone, no music, no atmosphere. We had a beer and went to bed, too bloody expensive anyway. So yeah the mountain lodge party in the Tyrolean Alps was not happening. Wo steppt der Bär?! Where is the bear stepping?! It’s perfect and the idea of bear in a seedy bar in the Tyrolean Alps swaying with his beer is just the best. So I guess you are wondering what these stepping bears are all about? Well, it’s an Austrian countryside expression for something happening, like to find out where it’s cracking. The bear categorically does not step in the mountain lodge. ![]()
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