At the Gorge, on a magic carpet ride
Heavy, low clouds blocked the rest of our views leaving just this one
Gorgeous
‘Let’s take a drive into Germany’, we suggested to our editor. ‘Why not’, she answered. We did just that.
Off we went to Geiser Klam, the land of goblins, gremlins and who knows what else. We can’t say we saw any of
these characters in the fairyland that straddles Austria and Germany. We entered through Mittenwald which is
probably an hour from Munich. We did get a little lost but recovered nicely to arrive at the gorge in reasonable
time. Everything is an experience from interpreting signs, trying to read German because our Afrikaans improved
after a recent South African trip—who are we kidding.
At the narrowest part of the cliff ledge, the gang would not let us through. That's when you appreciate
the advantage of 4 legs
The gorge is obviously in a mountainous region, also positioned in a forest, a type of rustic theme park
dealing with the history of rock formations but without Mickey Mouse and the gang. The exciting part was
climbing to be above the gorge and then walking along a steel and wire bridge suspended on the side of a
cliff, for at least a kilometer. Below, a river of ice-blue water flowed strongly. It is very attractive
indeed. Our editor, who is courageous and deals with all sorts of hazards as a matter of course in her
daily life, doesn’t like to walk on bridges without a solid covering. We had a little fun in teasing her
for all the times she has called us a ‘wuss'.
Editor out of her comfort zone but always game
We recently wrote about our experience in South Africa while we were climbing a chain ladder to the
peak of Mont-Aux-Sources and thinking of affirmative action for reasons of survival. We had a similar
thought today but brushed it aside immediately as we knew we were in the land of engineers and people
of precision—a comforting thought.
The following day we undertook a hike on Brunnstein Mountain, along the border again. For reasons
unknown, the idea of taking a walk/drive into Germany resonates with us. This time our path to the
hut, which is a restaurant, was in Germany although the mountain occupies space in both countries.
Sometimes we find that the hikes are easy compared with finding the trailhead. ‘From Charnitz,
drive to the closed customs station, cross the railway line, continue towards Mitterwald, look
for the farm and then turn left’. This set of directions is not what we have come to expect from
people of precision. The hike actually commenced across the highway, nearly half a mile away.
We’re not complaining. Who doesn’t love a warm-up before a 2,200 feet climb in a very short
distance. We acquired altitude at a rate of 1,600 feet per hour which attests to the steepness.
Editor suggests taking a short-cut to the top. Dodo believed her
'Okay, this is the deal. If you don't get out the way, I'm going to kick you in the rear (if I can get to it).
By the way, get a haircut."
The gorge is a delight; the water an ideal color
Some may ask why we throw out these numbers and statistics from time to time. Besides the need
to fill up space, record it for a later period in our lives, it is objective. Whereas one may
say this or that was a tough hike, absolute numbers do away with subjectivity and exaggeration.
This is a good thing as one tends to believe one’s own nonsense. Numbers, of course, don't lie unless...provided
by politicians.
Field of Dreams
One has to marvel at the Europeans sometimes. They build restaurants on mountains, often without
motorized access. Imagine phoning up your date and inviting her out for dinner. We’re going to
Brunnstein Hut tonight. Wear boots without heels. Tell your folks we might be late in case of
rain, snow, tripping over tree roots, rocks or debris. Sounds wonderful. You should tell her
the elevation gain in case she needs to bring an oxygen tank. Seriously though, we have seen
Germans in all sort of physical shape both here and wherever we have hiked in the world. Yet,
they take to the mountains like goats. We think it builds strength, both physical and mental.
We can understand the Germanic nations being formidable competitors, something we did not
have to mention.
Editor earns a cup of tea after 2,200 feet climb. Price 1 Euro; delivery, add 3 Euros
This concludes the Austrian leg. We now move to a place in Switzerland which we believe is
particularly blessed with natural beauty—Grindelwald.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
To Editor: "You keep me hanging on": Sorry, a slow day.
Face off: Language barrier proving to be a problem at all levels
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