Alpenhotel Saalbach

Stayed at a beautiful spot in Austria (Saalbach) with Hilly, Stu's old friend and new Father..actually felt sorry for him, the poor sod was knee deep in relatives, in laws, newly purchased crib and nappies, etc.....we stayed for afew days and it was neatly timed with the arrival home of new born Frankie. Hilly's place is 3 feet from a field of horses so Lauren was easily kept busy with feeding duties.

Stu tried ...

... cozy and German. Because it is surrounded by mountains we went for a long hike the first day. There is a lot to see in this area. Lots of little villages off the beaten path and the highlight is the Eagle's Nest.
Hitler spent a third of his time in Berchtesgaden. He had a small compound made here and it became the second seat of government next to Berlin. It was called the Bergoh and was his home. All the buildings were up ...

... tour.

We had booked a 4-hour bus tour, which included the bunkers and Eagle's Nest. The tour was a half hour late in getting started (1:30). Our guide was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and had a great skill in making the stories very fascinating. She had a lot of little tidbits of information. She gave her first little background talk on our way up the mountain to where what is called the ...

... little more than one street. The castle looming above is well-preserved and evocative, and really worth a visit. There's a panoramic glass lift to get you up there if you're too idle to walk. The prison tower holds historical exhibitions and details of the erstwhile prisoners and ancient torture methods, including a shocking engraving showing some poor unfortunate being tied ...

... legs began to whimper and ask whether it wasn't time to gently ride back to base for a nice, cold beer. However, they quickly came to their senses and marshalled themselves for the coming onslaught: a long, hard fire road climb up 9 long switchbacks. Bigger than anything in South East England, for sure. The reward was worth it: a long singletrack descent with lots to offer in ...

... the hotel wouldn't be able to give us a lift into town. Okay, we thought, but would we be able to book the glacier trip? I resolved there and then to find our own way into town. How hard could it be?

Anyway, they taxied us out to our hotel after dropping the Kitzbuehel contingent as our hotel was out by the lake. First impressions - very beautiful setting and they gave us a room with an enormous balcony - even though we hadn't paid extra for ...

... peculiar, to say the least. It was a 9-seater VW van painted bright orange with two domed flashing lights on top of the roof. The trunk and back row of seats were filled to the ceiling with a motley mix of belongings and supplies. This collection consisted of a bed with a dresser and drawers, children's sneakers, dry goods, bags filled with various items, and so much more. Already inside were a boy and an old woman. After meeting the driver, through ...

August 26-Monday
We left Kitzbuhel at 8:30. There was a brief stop in Berchtesgarden, in Germany, at 10:00. Up on the side of the mountain, we could see Hitler's Eagle’s Nest. It was rather chilling to see that part of history. The bunker is now a restaurant. Our rest stop overlooked a valley filled with wonderful homes. What a view! Back on the bus and on to Salzburg. Time 10:35.

... go. I felt thrilled and disappointed at the same time…thrilled because of what I had just seen and felt, disappointed because I had to leave. Thank goodness for my memories… I’ll carry this with me for as long as I live.

(BevNote: While Paul was walking around the Flower Garden, I was simply enjoying the scenery, as the clouds came and went. There was a very small chapel, not too far from where I was sitting, but I did not go in ...

... Schenitzal dinner. The mix of Italian and German, good mixture I give the meal two thumbs up. The gang is heading to a pub called the MONK. It was once run by, suprise, monks. Its just a large room with tables and chairs and cheap beer. No music, we make our own entertainment. Out till 0100 and feeling good.