June 25, 2010

My God in Heaven -- and heaven it was as we once again explored the alpine countryside.

Today was touring day -- a big loop down into Italy to see the Italian Alps. But first we took a side trip up into a Austrian national park to take a walk in a high meadow between two mountain ridges. Again, lots of wildflowers, including many we hadn't seen at lower elevations. We walked through a herd of Palomino horses, including nine adorable foals. Apparently they were Hafflingers -- a special breed which are used to carry people and gear into the backcountry. The locals are obviously very proud of their animals.

Then it was on to Italy via a long, narrow and winding road over a barren pass. What's amazing is the sheer magnitude of the Alps in this part of Europe. Everywhere one looks there is another panorama of massive mountains. It's all so breathtaking that Lois finally put the camera down
and said "I just can't get it". It was much warmer in Italy; we were glad to get back to the cooler climes of Austria.

A couple of notes about driving in Germany and Austria: -- on most freeways (autobahns) the speed limit signs are electronic and the speed limits change depending on the traffic conditions and weather. If the sign is not on, that means there is no speed limit (and cars going
100 mph are not uncommon). -- roads of all sizes are immaculate; there are no potholes and few patches.-- there is no litter ... ANYWHERE!

Tomorrow it's on to a short visit to Innsbruck and then to the Hohe Tauern, a spectacular national park to the East in Austria.

Our love and all the best to you all

Donald and Lois

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