Today was hiking day!! We had been talking about doing a hike since we got to our cozy condo in the Austrian alps and today was the day. Overwhelmed with options, we decided to go with the advice we got from our alien ice cave guide; George. George had given us a hint about a giant waterfall in a town close by called St. Johann. Or that's what we thought he said......
Fully trusting alien George, we set off to find the waterfall (wasserfall in German). We had no problem finding St. Johann, or rather, J Quest had no problem telling me how to get there. :) But once we were there we had a short hiccup trying to find said wasserfall, which was supposedly called Lichtenstein Klum. After asking around and finding an information desk, Jen found out that the wasserfall did not exist. At least not in St. Johann. Thanks a lot, Alien Ice Cave George.
A little confused, we moved on and found a different wasserfall to hike to. One that was actually in St. Johann. Problem solved. Crisis avoided. Oh Europe, when will you give us solid directions? Oh well.
On the way up the mountain there were houses with very welcoming people working in their yards. We did our best to say something politely in German, but most of the time we just smiled back. My "gutentogg" is probably said with the worst german accent ever. Even still, a couple of them even pointed out the poorly marked trail. Really nice, helpful people in Austria. It's a lot like Switzerland that way. Barring George.
On the way up we followed a little stream that ran peacefully paralleling the trail. The peaceful little stream didn't look like it would lead us to much of a waterfall. Not going to lie, after the 6 hour, 90 degree up hike we did in Switzerland, this seemed like a walk in the park.
We took pictures and chatted on the way up. I tried not to sing, "THHHHEEEEE hills are allliiiiiiiiiiive, with the sound of MUUUUUSSSIIIICCC........As the beginning of the hike especially reminded me of that movie.
Towards the top, Jen gave me a little lesson in photography. I learned about lighting and shutter speed and we talked about what makes a good picture. I think I might need a nice camera. Uh oh. The waterfall itself was gorgeous and we spent about a half hour hanging out underneath taking pictures and relaxing in the shady area. Then we headed home to swim!!
This was part of my lesson on shutter speed. Photography by JQ.
I think I actually took this one. See how artistic I am? I hope I'm telling the truth...
After we finished a short arm workout in the pool, Jen tried to teach me to flip turn in the pool (I swallowed a lot of water during this lesson-but I got better) We then met an older couple and shared travel stories. They were hilarious and very nice. They talked and talked. We listened and listened. We talked too, I guess. I remember them being fairly long winded, however. I was getting pruny and cold but I liked them so I didn't say anything. Finally we got out of the water and headed to dinner in Maria Alm.
Dinner was delicious!! We started out with goulash and tomato soup. Splendid. Then ordered grillteller and chicken curry. Amazing. Also, the Austrians and the Germans do well in the beer game. We got in the habit of ordering something and sharing it. That way we could try more things when we went out. I like it that way. Sometimes I finish her food too. I might have gained some weight in Europe. :/
Great food. Full, great day!
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