In my last blog, I wrote about the lake I visited in the Austrian mountains. During my first visit here I saw a beautiful mountain which I wanted to hike. Back home I looked up the possible trails and the other day, I went back to hike! I found a dry day with a small change on some little rainshower, but I was willing to take a gamble and 10 minutes of rain would not hurt if it means I can spend a beautiful day in the mountains!
Let's Climb the Spuller Schafberg
So I took my bike out to the start of the trail and started hiking. It was a sunny late afternoon, not too hot, truly pleasant weather for a hike. I didn't wanna go too early on the day as I love the afternoon lights and shades on the mountains. It might be my favourite scene to see in front of my camera lens and looking at these photos makes me realize I spend way too little time in the mountains, but next year I might spend all summer in the mountains so I shouldn't have too many regrets here.
The start of the trail was really nice, not too steep but a perfect relaxed afternoon walk over small paths leading me along green fields, flowers and of course, to the start of the climb.
Smileeee
Honestly, I am not so used to such a ascending trails as I am Dutch and Holland is pretty much 100% flat like a pancake I have been long enough abroad to know this is just an excuse I am also always walking too fast with too little breaks, and during the hike I am often wondering why I am doing this. It is certainly a challenge and a better way to exercise than going to the gym which would also not a bad idea actually
And if I look at these views, I definitely know why because the scenery is just something else. The Austrian mountains are truly underrated and one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I am in love with this vibe
Next time, I should take more breaks and a tent with me, because I would love to wake up with these views. In my head I always have so many ''next times'' and ''next years'', sometimes I am wondering why I didn't do it right this time.
When I was as good as on the top of the mountain but not totally there yet I took a break to enjoy the view over the lake and to catch my breath. I still can't believe that these pictures are real, it feels like places like this only exist in the movies.
*If I look at this picture I am only thinking how badly I wanna go back here! I wanna go camping here! I wanna watch the sunrise here!
I drank my can of coke and opened my bag with my favorite candies for some sugar rush Eating a full bag of candies feels really much better after such a hike than on a lazy day at home but it started to rain before I could even finish my little snack. My friend gave me a poncho for a festival and luckily I decided to slide it in my backpack and that Poncho did save me. The weather forecast seemed quite good before I went on the hike but the rain didn't stop anymore. The path down became a little river and I had to walk much more carefully. Good for focus and balance. It kinda felt like a real adventure, I kinda like these weird trips, and the sweater and poncho kept me pretty warm.
Ready for the rain to come I guess
It was truly beautiful to see the clouds passing, and there was thunder and lightning. Incredibly impressive to be in nature like that. However, I realized the dangers and decided to just walk down at a fast pace as far as I could on the wet soil. My camera doesn't like rain so I kept that one in my waterproof backpack. I try to always bring my waterproof backpack on hikes to protect my camera gear.
My shoes? Less prepared I guess.. Such a pity I left my good sandals in holland. I honestly walked barefoot half of this trip down the mountain. I walk barefoot a lot so it isn't really a big deal for my feet
Wonderful Hiking trail isn't it?
I didn't know that toads live on mountains as well but obviously they do! There were a lot of them after the rain started
Thank you for passing by my little page here on the Hive! Hope you enjoyed Austria with me! Next blog I will take you with me to Sardinia Island!
Regards,
Sascha