Exploring Unexpected
It was for my 70th birthday that my son and daughter, Robert and Anna-Sophie, gave me the three-day hike in the Schladminger Tauern (located in Styria, Austria). Robert planned the tour and called it “Fast wie Nepal” (like Nepal). In the fall of 2011, we three hiked around the Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. We had a guide and two porters and loved every minute of it. During these three weeks, we walked up to about 16,000 feet. I could not do this anymore. However, I do not have to go to Nepal to have an adventure. Even this short hike was invigorating and full of adventures and challenges.
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Robert, Anna-Sophie and I at the start of our hike, having lunch in the Eiblhof on the Eschachalm
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The goal of our day was to hike to the Keinprechthuette (about 6000 feet) where we planned to stay overnight. The summer heat soon turned into a thunderstorm. None of us was afraid of walking with the growling thunder above our heads.
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Curious cows waited for us to pass
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The cows and bulls are normally very calm and do not bother hikers. However, there are always reports when they attack and even kill people. This happens when they hike with dogs chasing them. We were not in that category but nevertheless kept an eye on them when we passed.
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Thunder and rain were our companions on the way up to the cabin. Moss, grass and trees showed up in radiant greens.
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With having the right equipment, hardly any weather condition is a hindrance.
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Robert surprised us with special treats – Zirbenschnaps (pine brandy) made by Anna-Sophie, chocolate and fruit bars.
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Some alpine huts are not used anymore, but are still beautiful.
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We crossed many creeks with fresh, clear water. The area is called the Land of Wild Water.
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Filling the water bottles with fresh, cool spring water is a special treat.
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We did not meet any other hikers. However, when we decided to stop for tea and cake at a cabin on our way up to the Keinprechthuette, we saw them all sitting inside. Obviously, they did not like the rain and thunder outside.
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Wet and happy
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We shared a delicious spelt rhubarb cake with whipped cream and drank ginger tea.
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When we arrived above the timberline, the sky became clear and the thunderstorm had disappeared.
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Arriving at the Keinprechthuette in the evening
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Inside the cabin
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After dinner and drinking cool beer, we played fun card games. It was so nice to see people connecting, chatting, playing games. Nobody in the cabin was on a cell phone. There is no connection in this area – a real blessing!
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