36.03 Austria: Barenschutzklamm, Mixnitz (Mixed nuts, how we remember the name), 2,500 steps toward Heaven.
This is the third of four hikes undertaken in Austria. Truth be told, each one has been tough; alternatively, we're less strong than we think. An unhappy editor is forced to 'walk the plank'. Sometimes the pressure is just too great...a need to let it out or through. We're most grateful for crazy people in the world. They create excitement, challenges, amusement, danger and keep one on the toes (or in peril). Why would anyone wish to build a type of ladder extending through a gorge accumulating over twelve hundred feet of elevation gain following an earlier walk of fourteen hundred (2,600 total) to reach the beginning of the gorge? Beats us but it sure provided a wonderful experience. The power of the waterflow was stunning, the sights and colors extravagant, the surprises terrific and the exertion level, sweat breaking. And typical of much of Europe's alpine experiences, there's usually a restaurant or refugio to provide a bunk or refreshments or...