SEPTEMBER
AUSTRIAN HOLIDAY.
Sunday, September 4th saw a
significant proportion of the DHWC departing form Dublin airport with
Topflight, clutching boots, bags and sticks: destination-The Tyrolean province
of Austria. Our chairman, Richard had been researching and planning over many
months and what a fine job he did.
It was a delight to arrive in
Ehrwald, such a beautiful alpine village and more especially to the Hotel
Sonnenburg where Danielle and her staff welcomed us and indulged us to an
exceptionally high standard over the next 7 days.
The week began by us being gently
seduced into the sounds of the mountains: the rustling of the soaring conifers,
the fragrance exuded from the pines and meadows, not forgetting the comforting
chimes of cowbells. Our Austrian walking guides greatly enhanced our holiday.
They catered for all in our 39 strong group and were an invaluable source of
information and so knowledgeable of the history of the area. They promoted the
"Alpine Pace" which meant everyone reached their own heights whilst
appreciating the scenery along the way.
On our first walk of the week, we
went to the Seebenbach Waterfalls, which thrust forth from the Sonnenspitze
Cliffs. This was a leisurely walk and helped us to absorb our new surroundings.
The cross at the top of Hollfopf 2.194 m was our destination midweek: it was
Eileen's birthday and after singing our greetings to her at breakfast, we
headed off on an amazing day. We took the cable car first and then transferred
to the 2 seater chair lifts which swiftly and silently glided us to the next
ski station. We then proceeded to walk to the summit of Hollkopf. The air was
quite thin but it was a beautiful day and we were blessed and elated when we
arrived at the Plateau above. We picnicked, rested, recharged and descended. As
if that was not enough excitement for one day, many opted for the alternative
downhill transport- The Biberweir Summer toboggan run- round and round until we
reached the bottom. What a thrill that was. Childhood revisited.s
The fitter among us, mostly men
but with a couple of courageous individuals representing the fairer sex
conquered the slopes of the Zugspitze glacier. They began from a 1500 m
starting point and ascended to a height of 2570 m- a distance of 12
kms-climbing throughout. That was a very tough 6 hour climb. Those intrepid
souls were welcomed back at the hotel to rapturous applause: all looking
content, relaxed and healthy.
The walk to Lake Seebensee was
beautiful, walkers frequently having one foot in Austria, the other in Germany.
The guide explaining how it would originally have been Tyrolean and Bavarian
independent territory. The lake water was very cold but good for tired feet and
those that were tempted to paddle were very glad they had done so.
The summit of Zugspitze 2062 m is
Germany's highest point. We visited the museum and the glacier below. It was
very busy with tourists-we were lucky to see the views as the top was obscured
by fog soon after we reached lower ground.
On Saturday when the organised
excursions were over, we all spent the day in various ways- some took the
little red train to the town of Garmisch- others to the lake Heiterwanger See
for a leisurely 2 hour boat trip. Two members cycled there- Other s visited the
city of Innsbruch to immerse themselves in the culture and sights
There was a brass band playing in
the village one night but most evenings were spent in the hotel where our own
musicians played and singing and dancing prevailed. Friday night was Quiz
night- a big thank you to Ronagh for organizing that. Thanks to Erich and
Brendan for helping .
This is the time of year when the
farmers of Ehrwald bring their livestock down from the mountains to lower
ground for the winter. On our last day, the group got to witness the descent of
the sheep and shearing at first hand. The cattle donning garlands of flowers-
it was a spectacle to behold. Villagers with stalls displaying their arts and
crafts dotted about in the sun made our final view of Ehrwald a lasting and
arresting memory.
The beauty of a holiday like this
is that it gives us a chance to do what may be impossible to do alone, but
there is always a chance to be alone. Nothing is compulsory. If you are
considering joining a club, do consider ours. If you are an ex member or an
inactive member, perhaps you will try again, Walking is so very conducive to
good physical and mental health. Our club motto is "Fitness, Friendship
and Fun " Why not give it a go.
Thanks again to Richard , it was
a wonderful holiday. Here's to next time.
REPORT BY CLARE GRACE.
