Austria

August 7 to 29, 2010

steinplatte

To Steinplatte

It was great weather and the prehistoric coral reef was just as impressive as last time (even more so with the great views!). The viewing platform that they had been building last time was done, as was the artificial lake. We stopped by the lake for a quick geocache and then continued up to the crosses. Christopher complained a little at first, especially when the path became a bit steeper but once we got to the coral rock garden he had a blast clambering along the rocky path, stopping every few steps to tell us how dangerous it was, and how fun it was. :)

The kids watch Peppa Pig while we get breakfast ready. The episode plays twice,
once in German and once in English... maybe the kids will learn some German?!

Breakfast time... Semmeln with jam.

Driving to Steinplatte, the weather is looking pretty good.

Tunnels! (The kids love going through these!)

Samantha and Christopher with Steinplatte in the background.

At the entrance to the lift.

In the lift and on our way up!

A look back at the town of Waidring.

Samantha and Christopher keep a lookout on the way up to the top...

...and they spotted this "Hexenhaus"!

We're taking the easy way... a harder route up is to rock climb these cliffs.

16 degrees Celcius at the top lift station.

Samantha and Opa quickly find the dinosaur trail and are off in hot pursuit.

The "winter lifts" are all stored away.

Prehistoric Moosaurus. ;-)

The path takes us right past the amazing playground...
it's tough to keep the kids moving and we have to reassure them they will get lots of time to play after lunch.

Christopher posing with a fossilized coral in front of the Triassic park.

The kids don't know it yet but we packed their bathing suits so they can take a dip at the highest "beach" in the Alps!

A new addition since the last time we were here...

...for 7 Euros you can try panning for gems. Hmmmm, or we could do it for free at Ellmi's!

Also new... a tight rope walk.

Interpretive signs along the way explain the natural history of the area.
This one shows how all of Steinplatte used to be a giant coral reef in the ocean during the Triassic period.

And now it's been pushed up high into the Alps!

Christopher and Samantha immediately relate the coral reef idea back to the
movie "Finding Nemo" when they see the picture of the clown fish.

Rubby grins and hopes that the kids won't take after their father in wanting
to always go where the signs clearly warn you to stay away from.

The viewing platform is new since our last visit.

Glass "windows" on the floor of the platform allow you to look straight down the edge of the cliff.

Although the kids have fun trying to peek through, the dirty glass makes for less than ideal viewing.

Thanks to the great weather we get some great panoramic views.

Christopher wants to try and take some pictures too.

A view of the Steinplatte "reef" from the platform.

Samantha has a Marilyn Monroe moment.

View back to the Triassic Park.

Samantha skips ahead... she's got tons of energy!

The benefits of starting to hike himself are that Christopher gets to touch and discover more things with his sister...
like these giant fossilized corals along the path.