In the latest addition of the Ciara and Andrew Blog we have weekend trip to report that was quite epic. We did some camping Austrian style.

It started on Friday I tried my best to pack up the gear that Ciara had set aside and I continued to try and pack everything else we needed trying not to omit any glaring items. Packed up some snacks and our gear in a pack and headed to Philadelpiabruke to meet David (Stacey a teacher at AIS's husband). We caught a train out to a spot several kilometers from where we were set to start the hike. The plan was that Ciara and three of her co-workers, Stacey, Bridget, and Shoena, were to pick us up at the train station an take us to the starting point of the hike. We got on the train with no trouble and the ride went smoothly. We got there earlier than anticipated and the rain was coming down. So we found a little trailer set up out side the train station that had some cover and beers for sale, and waited. Unfortunately the girls ran into some pretty heavy traffic, but David and I just chatted and passed the time. Once they arrived we piled into Shoena's Volvo and headed up to the jump-off point. At this point it had started to get a little late and the rain was coming down pretty steady. We decided however when we reached the parking lot to the park that we would brave it to the first hut and trek through the elements. We all we a sense of purpose headed up the trail determined to reach the first shelter. Unfortunately, the elements were a bit too much to bear. We were braving the rain but it began to get dark. We decided to head back about 45 minutes into the hike. Once we reached the bottom Shoena called a guest house that was close by and we headed to shelter.

Upon reaching the pension, we were pleased to see a quaint mountain house with rooms and a family style eating area downstairs. Quite an experience we enjoyed a wonderful meal and headed to bed a little wiped out and hoping we could get the hike going the next day.

In the morning the weather appeared much better so after breakfast we decided on going and catching a gondola ride to the hike (to make up the ground from our failed hike the day prior) and make our way to the Habsburghaus the hut we had planned on staying in the second night. So we packed up and headed out.

After a beautifully scenic gondola ride we headed up the trail. The scenery was amazing! We hiked up and over ridges up in altitude ever step getting a new and amazing view. I can't say enough about how beautiful and green everything was. We hiked for about 5 hours stopping for a snack along the way and to take some pictures at some impressive vistas. Then it happened... we took a turn and there it was, the Habsburghaus. A welcomed sight, perched on the top of the mountain with nothing but mountains around it for as far as the eye could see. There were cattle grazing just below it picturesque to say the least.

Once we got settled at the hut we sat down and had some beverages and conversation, played games and had a hot meal. Quite an amazing experience in Austrian camping-the mountains come equipped with huts with meals and beds, no need to pack a tent or a grocery store amount of food. We played (semi) competitive card games and eventually it reached the hour to retire so we went upstairs and snuggled into our bunks and tried to sleep. Which became tough due to the howling wind.

When day broke we had breakfast, put on our warm socks and jackets that we had hanging by the fire, and headed out. After the invigorating trek back to the gondola we headed down into the town of Payerbach. Which by chance was having a celebration. So we sat by the river and had lunch amongst the locals, enjoyed a beverage and a brautwurst that were delightful. After that we headed home making it to our flat by 4 p.m.

I can't say enough about how enjoyable it was to get out in the wilderness and experience camping in a true Austrian manner. Truly taking advantage of the weather that we have been having. Experiencing the rural and mountain life. It couldn't have been better! To check out some photos of the trek just go to our "me gallery"at:

http://gallery.me.com/ciara.andrew#gallery

We hope life is treating everyone well! We would love to hear what is going on with all of you.

Until the next segment, take care.

Ciara & Andrew