We woke up on Tuesday, the 15th of September, to a spectacular sunrise, as seen here from our room:
More often than not, a colourful sunrise is associated with bad weather; not so this time - it was a sunny day throughout and really warm at 25 Celsius (77 F). By the time we came back up from breakfast to put on our hiking shorts and boots, the sun was fully up. Here is a view from ours across the adjacent balconies; I found the contrast of the bright red geranium against the blue sky worth a picture:
Our hotel had issued a leaflet with four suggestions for tours, and we were determined to walk them all. The one we chose for our first day was described as giving the visitor a good first overview of the Balderschwang valley.
Starting on our side of the valley, the path lead us away from the hotel, eastwards to the village. Just outside the village, we crossed the main road and found ourselves at the bottom of the valley, crossing the stream I have showed you in yesterday's post. From there, the path went steeply upwards in serpentines. I panted and puffed like an old steam engine and secretly thought I would never reach the top, but of course I did - I always do eventually!
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| View back towards the hotel just behind the trees next to the red cars. |
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| Already on the other side of the valley, looking back down towards Balderschwang. |
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| Gelbhansekopf, 1,437 m |
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| Looking west from the top of Gelbhansekopf; far behind there is Lake Constance. |
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| Silver Thistles, a flower typical for this region. |
We briefly stopped for a drink of water from our bottles at a (now closed) hut with a chapel next door before working our way further up, now on a narrow woodland dirt path that made us glad we were wearing proper hiking boots.
Finally, we had covered the more than 400 m in height difference from the bottom of the valley to the top of the ridge. Walking along a comfortable path, we soon reached the mountain top most prominently visible across the valley from our hotel, the Gelbhansekopf, at 1,437 m.
After a rest, we continued on the path that took us back down into the valley, across the stream and eventually back to the hotel, reaching it from the opposite side from where we had started in the morning. It was time for coffee and cake on the sunlit terrace; at about 10 km, our first tour had not been very long, but with the steep ascent and descent, it felt much more than that.
We still had enough time before dinner to visit the hotel's spa. Afterwards, because it was such a beautiful mild evening and we were well rested by then, we went for another quick walk, just to the village and back.
A beautiful first day was over, and more to come.
We always used to say "Mackerel sky, mackerel sky, not long wet, not long dry." Your first picture reminded me of the mackerel sky but, of course, the rhyme didn't apply. Your 7th photo made me rather envious. I'm not quite sure why that one above the others but I think it was because I love mountain tops and it suddenly occurred to me seeing that that I probably won't ever walk to the top of another mountain again. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of your walks which I shall enjoy vicariously.
ReplyDeleteWe love mountain tops, too, which is why even though I find it physically really hard to do all that uphill (and downhill), so far it has always been worth it; a personal achievement and the reward of great views.
DeleteBeautiful photographs - not as good as being there but better than nothing. That silver thistle is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe silver thistle is a good weather indicator; its outer, silvery petals curl up when rain is near. It is also a good indicator for a healthy environment and soil that has not been ruined by pesticides or artificial fertilisers.
DeleteYes, photos are better than nothing - same here when looking at pictures of the Yorkshire Dales on your blog and others!
Beautiful sunrise and lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteEnjoying your mountain photos and blue skies. Hope the good weather continued for your holiday.
ReplyDeleteIt did - mostly. There were a few showers on the last two days, but they did not really stop any of our activities, and it rained on the day of our departure; two days afterwards, they had their first snow there!
DeleteJealous! I can't imagine a holiday anywhere right now. So nice of you to share your! Thanks for the lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteIt was originally planned for May, but all hotels etc. were closed then, so we shifted it to September. I would not want to go on a holiday that involves flying and/or crossing borders right now, so a 3-hour-drive from home was just about right.
DeleteThis is such a beautiful area! I have always loved mountains. Although I doubt that I would get very far hiking in mountains these days, I sure wish I could do it! You found such a nice place to spend your holiday.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful area, and less crowded than some of the more popular, bigger places we drove through on our way there. In winter with the skiing tourism in full swing, it will also be a very different picture.
DeleteWhat a view and sunrise to wake up to on your first day! :)
ReplyDelete