Two cool hikes

Rob attempting the "children's" activity on our hike

There are so many hikes available in this area, let alone fine biking roads, that we of course will need to stay another night in the comfortable Pension Andrea.  This morning the hostess (the owners are a Dutch couple) gave us two tourist cards which cover or partially pay the entrance fees for most of the local attractions including the cable car lifts.  We don't know what the financial arrangement is, but many hotels give out these cards.  They sure are saving us a bundle.

The weather has heated up, so our two hikes today reflected a need to stay cool.  First, we took the local cable car, the barn being just  two blocks away, up the mountain for a very pleasant and mostly level hike.  This particular hike seems to be child-oriented and included a number of climbing and other attractions--most too difficult for us, actually.  See the photos for more information.

Walking the gorge

Back down to town, a market stop, and lunch in the room.  It was nearing 2PM and we were too hungry to walk to the lake for a more scenic venue.

Hike No.2 required a 45 minute ride to the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge.  Very cool here!  Not a bad gorge either.  It was nearly 6 when we left and, taking the long road home via a valley or two, we didn't arrive in Zell am See until after 8.  We picked up some beer and headed to the lake for a bit of relaxation.  We have noted that this tourist town seems to have a substantial Muslim community.  They were much in evidence in the park next to the lake.  Many of the women wear just head scarves but others are in full black coverage. An interesting change from our 2002 visit.