Standing above Wetterstein Hut, clouds blot out the sun
Similar view but now clouds dissipate
Something one cannot ignore in the hamlets and villages is weather. It changes at the drop of a hat
and with the winds blowing regularly, hats tend to drop off frequently. Each day is different. For that
matter, each hour is, too. Today we were in snow again (at higher altitudes), heavier than the day before
and within twenty minutes, the sun shone and the sky was blue. In fact, the blue was so clear it was as if
it had been washed by the clouds. Thirty minutes later, the sky became grey and it turned cold. This process
repeats itself constantly. It makes for wonderful scene changes but probably is not ideal for tourists. The
locals have no choice but to accept it.
Tranquility after a 'near storm'. Foreground looks park-like but is rather rugged.
Talking of the locals, we spoke to Regina this morning, a charming woman in the lodge office. One thing
led to another and we smiled inwardly when she mentioned how unfriendly the Swiss are. We got news for you,
lady—we hope she doesn’t read the previous missive of Austrian charm. On the hike today, there was one other
couple, at least half our age—we’re being kind to ourselves. We got talking and in another of those coincidences,
Marcus, currently of Munich, Germany was born and lived in Durban until 14. Thus far, we've met two couples
over six hikes, (it’s killing our averages) one English couple and now a former South African. We chatted
and walked together for a distance; many of the hikes which we undertook recently in the old country he was
familiar with, having done them with his local wife, Isabel. Just to be clear, he only has one wife, local
or otherwise.
Jenni stands on cliff edge at hut level, absorbing it all...we think...as light snow falls
These scenes reach somewhere deep in our souls
Tomorrow, we’re heading into Germany, another country we have been reluctant to visit for reasons
not logical. We are a mere ten miles from the border. From some of the peaks reached, we have peeped into
that country and liked what we have seen—more mountains. Today’s hike was identified from Hohe Munde,
Sunday's attempted climb to the peak. We looked across the valley at the amphitheatre formations at the
time and were impressed, definitely worth a try We followed the trail to the Wetterstein Hut and then
further on and upwards. As mentioned in the opening paragraphs, the weather played another important role
in creating outstanding scenes even though we got a little wet, cold, snowed on and finally, hot. As we sat
down to eat on a rock, with the marvelous scenery about us, it began to snow. We left after eating part of
the meal as the weather looked nasty. It made sense to get to lower ground, some 2,500 feet lower. Within
ten minutes we turned to see the sun shining brightly, the rays bringing out the best in the rock face of
the amphitheatre.
You have to love the editor. It's snowing and we are told to smile for a 'shot'.
(Two sets of huts below)
In another spark of genius on our return, we said to the editor that we should try an alternate
route using one of the steep, rocky paths. Unfortunately, the problem is we are not genius material.
After overshooting the car park, we had to walk uphill for half-a-mile to find the correct junction
so that we could walk down again. This is going to cost us dearly which was exacerbated by the editor's
sweet forgiving attitude—if only she'd thrown a tantrum.
A little amphitheatre on the Wetterstein Mountains, bordering Germany
Often, while hiking, we'll come to a halt, look about and be amazed where we find ourselves,
what we observe and how insignificant we are in the greater scheme of things. It is truly special,
uplifting, humbling, invigorating, tiring and sometimes, a little nutty. However, you do what makes
sense even when at times, it doesn’t. We think we acquired a little altitude sickness, some snow on
the brain, over exhaustion of body parts and tremendous pleasure which binds it all together. This
could be why we seem somewhat confused. Always climbing, never getting there!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Meantime, back in the village:
A view from a hill above the village: Man's structure forefront, nature's in the rear
A little color in Seefeld
A village nestled under snow-capped mountains
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