13.03 Seefelder Spitze, perhaps our finest hiking/climbing experience, all things considered

A scene from the peak, Seefeld Spitze, 7,287 feet above sea level— white dots, a light snow falling.


Jenni at the peak as light snow falls after climbing 3,500 feet (The Austrians place benches all over)


We stood transfixed trying to absorb everything possible

For the first time ever, we immediately agreed while standing at the peak, we were in the most beautiful
environment we had ever seen. Admittedly, the circumstances enhanced the scene. We find that in most
places, whether it be the light, season, time, weather or other factors, the effect on the subject is
different each day and even part thereof. For example, the movement of the clouds, their color and thickness,
the snow, the occasional breakthrough of sunlight, all played a part in enhancing the formidable
mountains surrounding us.


The Village of Seefeld way below


The cross or beacon in the distance signifies the peak; a few snowfields to cross en route along ridge


A knockout. The snow sits on a ledge, then thousands of feet sheer drop into the valley; the mountains rise
from the other side of the narrow valley

In addition, we climbed 3,500 feet, a tough hike, to reach an altitude of just under 7,300 feet. Our activity
took place in light rain, light snow above 6,000 feet, sunshine, thick clouds and mist which at times hid
every mountain from us. There was also sunshine and rain simultaneously as well as snow with the sun shining.
Each of these weather patterns changed within minutes. In fact, when we were immersed in the mist with
visibility less than twenty feet, we only had to wait minutes for things to clear before being blocked once
again. What a day, what an experience.


Jenni completes a dangerous section: narrow, slippery and a fall of hundreds of feet. The mist has moved in again.


The cloud and mist provided its own charm

The trail took us under the ski-lifts, along the train line and then through the forests, eventually
arriving at Rosshutte Cable Station. By that time, we had climbed 1,950 feet. From there, we accumulated
another 1,050 as we made our way up the steepest climb we can remember to arrive at Seefeld Joch, a peak
in itself. Thereafter, it was another 500 feet upwards as we ploughed through snow along the ridge with
nasty drop-offs on each side. In all types of weather and conditions, we walked amongst some of the finest
ranges we have seen including glimpses of the villages below. The constant movement of the clouds and mist
added to the beauty, providing variation that was an act of sheer mastery. That we were in Austria was
purely coincidental. It belongs to all of us, all residents of the world.


The snow was not a covering but rather a ledge, not to be trusted


We have a better understanding of avalanches after seeing this


A little way down, we met some birds; this one was not the social type

One of the challenges of Hike-about or for that matter, anyone seeking hikes is how to identify quality.
One arrives in a strange environment or plans on visiting a new area, it is not apparent where the best
hikes are. It takes a lot of research and we suppose experience, to sort the wood from the chaff. This
becomes even more complicated when traveling abroad, particularly when there are language and cultural barriers.
We are improving and find by being bold, one often comes out on top, so to speak.


Jenni leans left for a great reason. The pretty snow was not too attractive from that position


You may feel on top of the world but please keep off the grass. By the way, stop grimacing, it wasn't that difficult


Jenni peaks; note mountains in rear peeking through clouds

We seemed to be the only hikers on the way up but 'bumped' into a few people at the peak. When we reached the
third leg, the final 500 feet ascent to the summit, we noticed hikers embarking from the cable car and
ascertained that's how most do it. Some people ride up and walk down, some ride up and walk the final
leg to the top whereas most ride up and then ride down. We remember at the Eiger a few years back, we
were, together with one other couple, the only hikers going up while there were at least sixty or seventy
coming down. We could not understand the imbalance. That's when we learned of the ride-up, walk down
system. We would hate to be considered haughty but we intend/hope to continue doing it the old-fashioned way.


At peak, lucky to find a cameraman


On the way down, we saw old favorite Hohe Munde, 'sandwiched' for a change

For the record, the 3,500 feet elevation gain was made in two-and-quarter hours which if we may be so
brazen to say, was something that made us feel a little proud. Having provided much technical information,
we hope the pictures do the rest. We won't forget this day.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



Leaving summit, beacons prominent on most peaks in the area


Exposure of mountain in background for a few moments


When standing up there, the sights are stunning. There are probably many places where no human has set foot


For perspective, a view of Seefeld Spitze peak from the village. (The cross can barely be seen)