Neustift, Austria June 13, 2024

 morning coffee on my balcony paired nicely with the alpenglow

After the best night of sleep yet on this trip and then an extra hearty breakfast, I was raring to get hiking!  The Cable Car starts running at 9:00am, at 9:05 I was in a line up with paragliders on our way up to an adventure. This was today’s view on the ride up!

paragliders getting their gear ready

I received a welcome song from this Black Redstart.

The planned route for today took me by the Elferhutte which I hiked by on Sunday. 

A cute sight!

wood carving at the side of the hutte

picnic tables with a view outside the hutte

 checking out that view 

So, after ascending above the hutte, hiking through the trees, along a ledge, then up a scrabbly section, the destination high point came fully and clearly into view. See that lower peak in the middle, the plan was to go there.  

After assessing what I could see of the route to get there and seeing where the cross was when I zoomed in, I made the decision this was not for me.  The company I booked this tour with recommended this hike and the details described it as not being difficult.. 

I hiked a short bit further up and then picked a turn around point and worked my way back down at times having to use my hands for balance and support. When I reached a comfortable spot, I went for a destination shot.

If I can’t go there then I will go somewhere else.  So off I went in another direction.

wildflower 

seeing people on the trail ahead

After capturing this photo, once again I turned back but this time because there was a junction a little distance back, and the route veering off it look inviting. 

It’s view like this along the Sonnenzeit Trail that drew me in.  

I could fix up that shack quite nicely!

See that little tiny white building down below in the meadow? 

That’s where I had beer and apfelstrudel yesterday,

view of the Stubai Valley down below

the paragliders were out in full force today 

A few switchbacks down and I will be back at the Cable Car Station 

for the ride back down to the valley.

My route is in red.

Reward time on my balcony!