16th August 2010

The weather is not looking good for a hike today so it is off for some sightseeing. We had passed through a nice little town called Sankt Johann and thought that we would head back there and see some of the area and maybe shop. We were on the freeway headed just out of the other side of Sankt Johann to see another gorge when the traffic all of a sudden came to a halt. We sat for about 15minutes without any movement then decided we had had enough and headed back to Sankt Johann  for some shoppping. We then drove around Sankt Johann centre about 4 times trying to work out where we could park, but to no avail. They seem to park anywhere, even on the footpaths but we were reluctant to do this without knowing if it was ok. It is difficult when you don't know the language or the local rules.So we decided we had had enough of Sankt Johann and headed home. But it was a nice drive anyway. Everywhere here is a nice drive.

After lunch the weather improved greatly so we drove to Ramsau am Dachstein to take a mountain lift that was free with our accommodation card and one that I had been hoping that I would not miss. WOW!! What a ride. Not for anyone with a fear of heights. And that's me. When we arrived at the top, I had to sit down awhile until I found my land legs.

And I somehow don't think these guys have a fear of heights.

I am not saying this is not difficult, but they are not free clinbing. They are climbing by what is called Klettersteig, using wire cables that are fixed into the mountain. They also wear harnesses and slings to attach themselves to the fixed ropes so they can't fall off. Not for me though.

The top station of the lift is at 2700metres. There is a glacier, restaurant and an Ice Palace with ice carvings. Quite a spectacular spot. But very cold. I only took my jacket with me on the lift because I thought we might go to the Ice Palace and I knew that would be cold. But it was freezing when we got out of the lift and quite windy. I was pleased to get back down but hope we can come back and do a hike along the base. That would be awesome. There are a lot of hiking trails around the area particularly to Dachsteinsudwandhutte, which sits perched on a rocky outcrop halfway up the mountain. The most amazing spot for a hut. I didn't get any photos because my camera battery died just as we left the top station of the lift.

That little overhang is where you walk out and take your piccies. Ray took most of these. There is also a piece of the floor missing and it is filled with perspex so you stand and look straight down to the bottom of the valley floor.