July 23, Hallstatt (Austria)

Left Salzburg on the 7:10am train to Hallstatt. Several transfers over about 3 hours. Took boat across Hallstatt See (lake) to this beautiful town built in the side of a cliff. Arrived 11am. History dates back to around 500-800 BC salt mines. This is a great base to hiking and climbing in the Austrian Dachsteins. Beautiful mountains consisting of limestone and karst.

Found Hostel on side of cliff for 13euro per night. Steve stayed here on night one. Lee and I left at noon for the Simony Hutte which sits just below the summit glacier of the tallest peak in the Dachsteins. Steve hiked up the first 2 miles to a roaring spectacular water fall that cut deeply into the 1000 foot cliffs.

Lee and I hiked 7.5 miles up 5100 feet with full pack in 5.5 hours. This is about the same elevation gain as Timberline Lodge to the summit of Mt Hood. Had to conserve water so drank about .4 liters per hours. Worked out just fine. Passed Weisburg Hutte on the way --- very dark and unfriendly and we are suggesting to fellow hikers/climbers to pass it by. Arrived at 5:30pm at the Simony Hutte. Very friendly and welcoming people. Awesome view of glacier, summit, and surrounding country.

SIMONY HUTTE: stayed on 2nd floor, which is just a large room (low ceiling) consisting of 20 bunks side by side. Cozy --- families, hikers, climbers. Had noodle soup, cheese and sausage for dinner. Slept like a rock (pretty tired). Another great day.
Had long conversation with a teacher from Berlin and a couple from Stuttgart. Learned all about their city and area. Lots of fun sharing stories.

Couldn´t resize pics (sorry) so they average 1mb.