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SFO -> MUC

uhr-Oma

Arthurhaus Ritt

Zell Am Sea

Moßhammer

Salzburg

Klamme

falconry

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We've heard that there's a worthwhile hike in Klamme: a gorge complete with bridges and tunnels. I plot a day trip which includes Klamme and sip my coffee. After breakfast we load into the two cars and head out with map in lap.

It's not a very long drive, and the signs are good. It turns out that the park is on private land, not owned by the state. We pay our entrance fee and start the stroll. That's when we see the sign, its message in three languages.

ATTENTION: For your own safety please stay on the foot-paths and avoid bunching up on the bridges.

The path continues through an open wood, bright sunlight illuminating our way through the trees and bushes, the footpath paved. After a short while the gorge begins, the way wiggling between rock walls which loom larger and larger with every passing minute.

Soon we're over a rapidly running churning river. The sign was right, you really don't want to be bunching up on the bridges! Isaac loves the sounds and sights of the river froth. The rocks change color as the water washes over them and then dries off in the hot sun. Plants hang on to almost every surface, almost completely preventing erosion run-off. It's pleasant and cool near the rocks and almost too warm in the open. Going back and forth is an interesting exercise in thermal regulation, especially with an infant attached.

Much of the walk is through arches in the rock. As soon as our eyes get used to a dark spot we reëmerge into the sunlight. But soon we're walking into a long, dark tunnel. Dark, as in pitch black. We find our way by feeling our way along the walls. I decide to capture some of the action with the camera's flash.

Here's Mom and Oma in the tunnel.

Isaac and I are seen both in the tunnel and just after the exit. Isaac liked touching the cold, damp walls. He also thought it was pretty fun to watch the other children.

Here's a few more pictures of us and our surroundings.

Near the end of the walk we take a family picture.

Done, we climb back into the cars to drive to several nearby towns. The name of the first town is forgotten, sorry.