Day 29: Photo. Finish.

I awoke a little late for breakfast, but Stefan was also tired from the night before. We all ate an excellent breakfast with delicious pastries and then relaxed for some much of the afternoon. Günter and I went to the local market to look at all the cool items for sale, but more because it was such a nice day- not too hot and not too cold. Around 1 o’clock, I took a shower, and by 2pm Stefan and I were headed to Rappenlochschlucht, the local gorge. We first met up with his friends, most of whom I already knew. With our backpacks full of sausages, ketchup and a disposable grill, we began our hike up the gorge. It is quite a beautiful place, and gives new meaning to the word damp. More specifically, every nook and cranny is wet, dark and grungy. After a few hundred steps up, we came to the lake sitting above the gorge, which we walked past in order to get to the open river area. Here we tossed our socks and shoes, and then walked through half of the knee-deep water to reach and island of rocks in the middle of the large stream. The water was really clear, but really cold, so soon after reaching the site, we started the barbeque. Using a small puddle generated by the stream, we kept several beers cold as we heated up bratwursts and sausages. Frank decided American’s knew how to grill things, so I was crowned with the title of chef for the next thirty minutes or so.

The gorge from above

The sausages didn't turn out too bad

Main waterfall at the foot of the gorge

Marion, me, Anna, Stefan, Lucas, Frank and Daniel

While we waited, Marian cut up a Kuhlrobbie (it’s a vegetable that looks like an onion, with the texture of an apple, and very little flavor…and yes when you ask for some more you seem to reiterate the fact that Robbie is cool). After the appetizer, much to my surprise, the main course turned out rather well, and the meet cooked thoroughly, though mostly due to Stefan’s decision to cut everything in half. All of us ate and were quite full just moments later. After cleaning up our mess we crossed the river to return to the trail back down the gorge. Once we got back to the cars we headed back to Lucas’ flat to relax for a little while. About an hour later we were back at the Toeferl’s place. The five of us went to a nearby traditional Austrian restaurant where I enjoyed one last Winerschnitzel and Kasspetzle. Afterwards we watched the European sing competition on TV while we looked at the photo albums of previous visits of the last two decades. It was then time to pack up all my things before going to bed early given our early wake up time of 4:15am.