Forget simple facts like: I've never sledded before, it's a 2.5km walk up, we climb over 400m in that time, the path is covered in snow and ice, and there are other people sledding down as we walk up.
So we set out on Saturday. In Munich, the weather seemed to be fine, but as we drove, especially after our friendly GPS sent us off the autobahn and through a succession of small Tyrolean villages, the fog had us a bit worried. But, as we crossed into Austria, the fog cleared and the sun shone down on us.
After a fairly hair-raising drive up a narrow road, we arrived at the carpark at Schneeburg. We were meeting others (10 cars in total made the journey) so we headed inside for coffee to warm ourselves and wait. When all - or most - had gathered, we started up the hill(?????) to Kala Alm.
It was a strenuous climb for me - I am quickly discovering the limits of my fitness, but eventually we made it to the top. Kala Alm is a cute, wooden inn and the sunny day ahd us sitting outside on the wooden benches for lunch. Heaps of traditional Bavarian/Tyrolean food - thick soups, goulash and sausages, washed down with beer and wine.
After final fortifications with 'Willy' (a traditional Austrian pear schnapps), we were ready to head back down again. We collected our sleds and had a few practice runs on the small rise just above the Inn. Then off we went!
I am so glad that there is no video footage of my efforts at sledding! It seemed like I had no control of the sled as I careered downwards. At least twice, I was sure I was going over the edge and into a large tree. And I had no idea at all how to steer, so I ended up in many smowdrifts.But we made it down, and there was hot chocolate at the carpark Gasthaus to warm me up.
Guess what - we're palnning another sledding trip for next week. Thjis time, we're going somewhere with cable cars, so we spend less time climbing and more time sledding!
We started with coffee in the carpark Gasthaus, to prepare us for the trip
And we started to walk up to the Kala Alm!
And we kept walking - it was pretty!
And we finally made it!!!!
The scenery made the journey worthwhile.
Prayers in case?
Food for the journey.
And extra fortification against the cold!
Ready to set off!
Safely back at the start point.
