Austrian Alps

After our supermarket stop we headed south, pausing in Fussen to take a brief look at the Lech River "waterfall" (weir-created and a mere 30 foot drop, but scenically situated) which we had missed yesterday. Then continued on into Austria. It was a splendid warm sunny day, perfect for riding, so we spent most of the day on the bike. Lots of other bikers were enjoying the sun and fine back roads too.

moving the hay into rows

Nearly all the alpine farms we passed were bringing in the hay. It seems to have been cut recently, and we see it everywhere being turned over to dry (several times, over several days?), and then raked (by hand or machine) into rows, which the tractor machines scoop up. Lots of hay being transported along roads everywhere, frustrating the many impatient drivers (who always it seems have local plates).

For today's grand exploration we headed up the long Pitztal valley all the way to the end of the road in Mittelberg.  There a hiking trail continued even further upward, we thought toward a glacier, as a sign seemed to suggest.  After our picnic on a rock we walked the trail 2 km to a cafe, but no glacier appeared.  Probably long since retreated.  But the ride and walk were worth the effort even without a glacier-siting. (Tonight I read in our downloaded Michelin Guide that one in fact reaches the glacier by taking the Pitzexpress funicular underground for 3.7km to its foot.  That would have been one amazing trip).

walking to the non-existant glacier

We were headed for Innsbruck tonight, but some lodging research (conducted at yet another McDonalds stop) suggested that hotel prices there were somewhat inflated, so we decided to stay in Telfs where we were, 30km short of our target. The hotel selection here is very limited, however, and we don't know if our 96 euro choice is a savings.  A very pleasant room though, right in the heart of town.

I sit on our balcony enjoying the pink evening light on the mountains to the left and right. After taking a solo ride into the local mountains, Rob now is out watching the very-nearby Saturday night town festival.  I wonder if its noise will continue into the wee hours.

PS. Crummy internet tonight and last night. Will try to get caught up on photos tomorrow (Sunday) night.