Austria

June 17 - July 14, 2009

July 2 - Harlisanger & Gaisberg: Gaisberg Cross

After a short snack break at the Harlisanger cross we were off again. It wasn't too far to the Gaisberg cross where we had our lunch and enjoyed the view across Kirchberg and over to Kitzbuehl. We got a little bit of drizzle on the way down to the lift station but it soon stopped and the kids were quite excited to take a chairlift down the rest of the way.

Given the hot weather Oma finally had an excuse to treat us all to ice cream in Kircheberg. And back in Westendorf the weekly farmer's market was just setting up so we had a short look around before heading home to put the kids to bed.

Samantha with some late blooming gentians (enzian).

A glacier erratic.

Cows... such remarkable cows... and wherever we go, it's a fabulous show, oh you know they are cows. (to the tune of Sandra Boynton's cow song)

Beautiful views around every corner and past every dip.

The Gaisberg Cross with the Kitzbuehler Horn in the background.

 
Stampy station! (1767m)

Our first glimpse down towards Kirchberg.

A closer view of Kirchberg.

Panoramic view from the Gaisberg cross.
[ large view ]

And the reward for getting both crosses? Snack time!

Rubby taking a load off.

The "load" is excited to be free to roam!

Samantha giggling at Christopher's excitement.

Christopher has also noticed the beautiful flowers.

Look mommy! Buttercups!

As some rain sprinkles started,
we decided to head down the rocky path before the rain made it even more slippery.

Samantha making Christopher giggle.

The 'cow water' isn't good for us to drink, but it's great for splashing mommy!

The Baerstaettalm snack station.

We can still see the Gaisberg cross in the background.

These cows have gound a cool tree hang out.

These cows are trying to figure out how to sit down for a rest.

Samantha with her stampy arm and bandaided legs.

A couple of butterflies on the path (can you spot the second one?)

A stop at the Gaisberg restaurant for a drink...

... and some play time.

The alpine goat (gais) of the Gaisberg.

At the restaurant.

All the snow making machines at the lift station.

No one stacks wood like the Austrians!

Hey, Samantha should invite Helena and Joe for a Tirolean disco party!

The church with a "McHansi" (?!) in the foreground.

Here's what the McHansi has to offer!
(It's always interesting to see what fast food is like in other countries!)

 
Mmmm ice cream.

Samantha proudly shows off her Kirchberg hiking pin.

Rubby joked that we'd probably see the token bearded guy... and there he was!

Samantha was intrigued by some of the novelty toys on display.

Christopher playing with his Ellmi hat before bed time.

<< Harlisanger Cross | July 2 | Gaisberg Flowers >>

<< July 1 | Intro Page | July 3 >>