Traversing the Alps (Wed July 18)

It was with regret that we left "Gutshof Zum Schluxen," our cozy little Austrian Inn, and set off for our next destination.  We really loved it there.  It was impeccably clean, the service was great, it was nice but not stuffy, kid friendly but still classy.   It was our favorite port-of-lodging so far on our journey.  We will come back someday if we can.

Auf Wiedersehen Gutshof Zum Schluxen!  

On our way out we stopped and explored the adjacent Lech River:

A stone skipping contest

 We made our way down the valley and caught the cable car to the top of the Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany, which straddles the Austrian-German border.

The Mighty Zugspitze

Boarding the cable car.  7 minute ride up about several thousand feet.  Quite a trip!

It's a long way back down! 

The car is suspended a couple of thousand feet in the air.  (Everlie was very brave) 

At the top there was still snow.

Throwing snowballs at the cameraman

Ethan warding off frostbite from making too many snowballs—in July! 

One hill you would not want to slide down!

We’ve made the boys go to a lot of museums and churches, so after the Zugspitze we drove to a nearby town and rode the alpine slide.  One of the longest in Austria!

Skilift to the top.

Pic from the "Ev-Cam"

We then headed through Austria and into Northern Italy.  After you come through the Brenner Pass there’s an old castle, monastery or fortress on every hilltop.

We left the “Interstate” and headed to our destination, the Alpe di Suise.  This is a high alpine meadow at about 7,000 feet above sea level.  It’s a beautiful area about 20 miles long and 15 miles wide.  It’s a protected scenic area:  hikers/ walkers in the summer, skiers in the winter, with a little dairy farming.  Unfortunately it was a little bit difficult to get to, the two-lane road climbed about 4,000 feet over the course of 10 miles.  Everlie referred to it as the “The Road of Death.”   We are lacking pictures at this particularly point since the family photographer had her head down under the glove compartment the majority of the time.

After we cheated death and arrived at our destination, we settled into our hotel, a ski chalet turned summer hiker retreat.  It’s a little more posh than our usual accommodation.  

Cresting the hill into the meadow of the Alpe di Suise, which is ringed by a series of massive rock formations that make up the "Dolomite" section of the alps.

View from the hotel balcony. 

We were very proud of our little dinners.  They put on their best table manners.
 Logan even used his actual napkin (instead of his shirt.) 

The road out front.  The location can't be beat!

View in front of the hotel as the sun is going down.

Boys enjoying the posh hotel.

Davis : “I could live here, they have tasty free apples.” 

Tomorrow we are relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Alpine scenery.  We’ll take some pictures for you.  Ciao!