Oct 6 was thankfully another dry walking day. Although Michael & I were oblivious to it, apparently the Harvest celebration included bell ringing all night long. Several of the rest of our party were aware however, and had interrupted sleep. The celebration continued as the band marched in the congregation, the priest and his entourage for Sunday mass early in the morning. It was a photo op that Michael couldn’t resist visiting.
Sunday was Paul & Lucy’s 40th, so we rose early to get down to breakfast before them. Sue & Kaylon had already set up the chocolates, champagne & heart cookies. Lucy arrived sporting a beautiful new ruby ring from Paul.
Our luggage transfer driver arrived early, so breakfast was a bit of a mish mash as we all went off scrambling to get our luggage in order. The scramble continued as we had headed to the wrong dock for our ferry. In the end we got to the right spot, but only after adding a couple of kilometers to our days trek.
The walk to Bad Ischl was flat for the most part. It took us through villages, meadows and along the Ischl river whose water was a unique grey-green colour – I suspect from the limestone clay. We came across many more people today – after all it was Sunday on Harvest weekend. And lots of farm animals – especially chickens of every variety imaginable. Each farm seemed to have cows with bells on in addition to chickens and many with horses. I surrendered by pear to one of them, but unfortunately it’s partner lost out as I only had one with me.
The 6 Aussie/Americans dashed ahead, but us Canadians took our time as Mike & Dan photoed and we stopped to enjoy a beer. Suz had visions of dipping into tiny Lake Nussensee but alas it was not ideal swimming weather – not even marginal swimming weather! All in all it was a nice leisurely day.
We arrived about 4pm just as the other guys were returning from a town tour / beer run to play cards. The other ladies were out browsing, so Suz & I took a walk around town.
Michael had taken our restaurant selection task challenge and had asked one of the locals walking our route for recommendations. She made 2 suggestions – one cheaper, the other more costly. After more consulting with google and the receptionist at our hotel, we landed on the more costly one (not that much more really). We booked a reservation online at Attwenger Weinhaus for 7pm by which time it was of course raining again. It was another great dinner and no one was disappointed with our choice.
Back at the hotel for 9:30, we all checked out the massive bathroom and large room which Doug & Kaylon had landed before dispersing for the night. 7:30 meet up tomorrow morning for what looks like another cold, wet day for a long but simple hiking day.
