Austria
August 7 to 29, 2010
steinplatte
top of the reef
Like all mountain peaks in this area of the alps, Steinplatte has a cross at the top to mark the peak. Actually, Steinplatte has 3 crosses - 2 big ones on side by side peaks and a little memorial cross. Given that it was a gorgeous day there were tons of people out for a little hike, and peaks such as these where the lift gives you a boost most of the way up the mountain, there was quite a lot of traffic at the top. We found a little spot just away from the crosses to have our snacks and enjoy the view.
Given that it was Christopher's first real hike, we were quite proud that he made it all the way up to the crosses and back down by himself... a total distance of 5.8km with a 219 meter elevation difference. He earned his snacks today! Sammy of course seemed to have boundless energy and pretty much skipped up the whole way.
Looks like there are some birds waiting for us at the cross.
Enjoying the view or waiting for handouts from the tourists?
Christopher made it all the way up to the cross by himself.
The view down to Waidring.
A well earned chocolate snack at the cross at 1869m elevation.
View towards the Kitzbuehlerhorn and the Brixen Valley.
Rubby explores around the peak to check out some of the cool Karst rock formations along the cliff.
Sammy and Opa have their own little rest spot away from the crowds.
The birds soar along the cliffs.
Some of the rock climbers below.
Rubby contemplates going for a climb... after all, someone left all these helmets for the taking... ;-)
Christopher posing with the little memorial cross.
A mountain spider.
Grasses and flowers on the mountain top.
Time to head over to the other big cross on Steinplatte.
More examples of Karst topography.
It's a busy day on the mountain and there's a steady stream of people heading up and down the path.
Opa and Sammy are the first to arrive at the top again.
The view across to the first cross.
Schnecke snack time!
mmmm, hiking makes us all hungry!
Rubby explores a little side trail but it looks like it just keeps going along the top of the cliffs.
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