The next day we headed back on the trail via Merano. If we ever go missing, be sure to look for us here. A beautiful town location near the mountains and lots to do. The guide says to jump on the gondola for a 3,000 foot climb. They don't mess around with their cable cars here. They are fast and hold a lot of people. It started to rain as we began ascending. Halfway up the gondola stops. We sit swaying the in wind 300 feet up. Shadow isn't very comfortable with the ride in general let alone hanging. A platform folds down and attaches to the gondola. Some people get off and walk a catwalk 50 feet to the side of the canyon. The platform raises and then we continue up. I have to say, I was not only impressed, but a little uncomfortable hanging there too.
Once on top we waited out the rain at the ski resort before starting one of our easiest day's so far. Mostly above tree line walking over and around grassy balds. Another rain shower came, this one had some lighting and thunder as well. It was perfectly timed for us to descend into a forest. The forest was different from others we had walked through. Larger, old, pines protected us. The trail looked like an old deep road bed. The gray clouds darkened the woods. I told Shadow I was waiting for a group of knights with full armor on horse back to pass us. Not 20 minutes later we come across an old church and an old castle's tower. The property for miles around was divided by old wood fencing and dotted with small structures. It was like going back in time. After walking through another small forest things got weird. Hanging from a tree were 8 or 9 dolls dressed like witches and a fable posted about a servant trying to win over a maiden. 5 minutes down the road a wooden snake with a crown laid on top of a fence with another fable. This continued for about 3 miles. Clothing, giant handmade dolls, wooden birds, flags, each with a fable. By this time fog had settled in after the last rain and we saw no one for hours while walking on this road. It was time to start looking for a flat spot to sleep, but there was NO way that was going to happen around here. We were getting tired and hungry when we began seeing signs for a Pension (Inn). Yeah right, I thought to myself. I've read Hansel and Gretel! Two hungry kids, lost in the woods. I don't think so...
Just before the Pension was a 180 degree turn in the road with a trail leading into the woods. It was there we found a flat spot for the night.
1 comment:
Um, the dolls would definitely freak me out.
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