Day... er... A couple and some more: Austria

Well that holiday feeling has officially set in. The days have become other days and the nights have been spent exhausted. Sorry to all and sundry for the lack of posting, but we have been busy doing things... Like Spas and going to the Eagle's Nest, but more of that later.

Austria. What should I say about Austria? We love it for one. The views are breathtaking. Just look at the pictures that are on this post! Yesterday we went on a guided walk advertised at our campsite. In 4 hours he took us along the beautiful Saalachtal valley and straight up a mountain. Luckily at the top was a Mountain hut, fully stocked with Schnaps!! Yum!! (Ok, the food was yum, the Schnaps less so, though equally Austrian)




This valley is amazing and we are already planning a return journey. Don't just take our word for it though. Last night we went into the nearest town - Lofer - to watch a performance from their village marching band. Half way though this performance awards were given to two families who had returned to spend their holidays here for TWENTY YEARS. The band were spectacular. So much so Sarah had to hold me back from finding a time machine and signing up for the 17th Century Austrian Army. On a serious note, it was impressive to see the community of this small Austrian town truly appreciating both their own cultural heritage and the tourism that allows the community to thrive in the present day.

Today we visited the Eagle's Nest in nearby Berchtesgaden, Germany. Hitler wasn't there so we and a bunch of tourists had a nosey around his place. We focused on the fixtures and fittings largely because the view was obscured by clouds. Yes, the weather was bad. Darned bad. We missed out on those spectacular views that Father Ford told us about, but we saw plenty of photos of them on postcards. Either way we had a lovely time and a picnic lunch at the top.

A quick note to mention the drive down. Father Constable, you advised us to "Burn rubber, see stuff and drink beer." Well, the first of those instructions was achieved as Sarah kept her foot firmly (and wisely) on the brake pedal down the steep descent back to the valley floor. The result was a safe return and a shocking smell, of yes, you guessed it, burning rubber. Is that what you meant, Father Constable?!?!?!

After such a hard day's touristing we repaired to a spa. And had a jolly nice relax. Great!

Next stop........ Somewhere else in Austria Austria or Slovenia (the plan changed over night) via the Grossglockner Mountain Highway. Go google it, the drive will be special.