Like, downpour at times. Blah.
After a nice breakfast courtesy of the B&B, we set out to find a bus that took us to a place called the Dachstein: a series of summits and features where we would spend most of the day.
The first gondola took us up to 1300 meters, where we hiked several kilometers in the strong rain to find the Dachstein ice cave: a naturally occurring formation of rock and ice that was "only” 600 years old in most places. Like, 10-25 meters thick ice, and temperatures that ranged from ambient (mid 50's) down to the low 30's -- perfect for trudging through with a daypack and soaked clothes, right? Anyways, our tour guide made a point of saying (in very good English) that photograph was prohibited, which matched the signage. BUT, I was pretty confident that I heard her say that photography was permitted without flash just a moment later. Of course, that second statement was in German but I think I got the gist.
Besides, we've established that I'm American and therefore their rules don't apply to me. Of course. For the next hour I was stunned at the underground formations and magnitude of the ice development. I also can't wait to see how all my photos turned out!
Despite the rain, after the ice cave we stayed up on the mountain to get a quick lunch at the middle station, and then rode two additional gondolas up to different points near the peak: 2100 meters (over 6700 feet) in elevation. More hiking. More conquering the worst and most hectic weather that Mother Nature herself could muster! (Or, just more rain and wind actually) After some exploring we found another UNESCO site: a kind of "helix" with great views over the entire range!
Not that we could enjoy them in the thick fog ... But whatever! The adventure was worth it. The hiking gear I had held up great; I stayed warm and safe; had a blast wandering wherever there was to explore.
Returning to our boy Tolkien, who wrote that "Not all those who wander are lost."
