Salzburgerland, Austria. July 2012.
I can still hear the cowbells.
I can still smell the wildflowers.
I can vividly recall our children calling it paradise.
I really like Austria. I'm sure it reminds us of what we love about Colorado. Mountains, trails, hiking, skiing, quiet, and natural beauty. We stayed in the Rauris valley, close to the Hohe Tauern National Park. Though we didn't see much wildlife, the Pinzgauer cows were a welcome sight to see grazing in the Alps. The area is well known for Heumilch (Hay milk), where the cows spend the summers in the Alpine pastures and in the winter eat the hay from the summer grasses.
Hiking is wonderful. Very common to hike awhile, then have a place to stop and grab a bite to eat. They had the standard fare of schnitzel and sausage, but really wonderful salads, meat and cheese plates, and of course, beer.
After getting settled in the apartment, we headed to town for a little playground time.
Gondola trip up the mountain, and then a break for lunch and a drink for Ada.
And the days of risk taking have begun...
View from the top of the peak at lunchtime.
2nd hiking trip. National Park Hohe Tauern. Just gorgeous, very cool, and had a magnificent view for outdoor lunch.
Kasnochen. Near carbohydrate perfection.
View from town.
I suppose I should say that yes, it's apfelshorle (apple juice with sparking water), but I couldn't resist the photo.
Long hike = really well-behaved kiddos.
Last day. Final hike with Ada climbing a fair amount on her own instead of riding the shoulders of mom and dad. Looking forward to her building some stamina, but she was super!
