Ebensee - Feuerkogl - Langbathsee (Lovely sunny day)

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After getting thoroughly wet yesterday, today is a beautiful clear, sunny and warm day. What a contrast!

Our fellow cyclists from Arizona have finished their cycling holiday and left this morning. They will be replaced by another 2 people who weare yet to meet, but it will be fleeting as we leave for Obertraun tomorrow.

After yesterday's long distance we decided on something a little shorter today, but unfortunately all uphill for the first part (so much for easy). Since it was sunny and likely to be hot we decided to take the Seilbahn (Cable Car) up to the Feuerkogl in the morning, a peak at 1600m which was along our intended route. I gather the name Feure refers to fire or hell - not sure why. On arriving at the top and marvelling at the views to the high Alps in the distance, we walked up a trail to a large cross on an adjacent peak, called Alberfeltkogl. The cross is huge and made up of rocks set in metal cubes on a metal cross. The rocks are from all the surrounding countries as well as other nations. The country names are on each cube - a nice change from the usual and many crosses on high peaks in the area. The views from the cross were amazing too with steeply dipping rocks and cliffs dropping away into the valley below. It is also a skiing area - I would be worried about flying over the edges. That was an excellent way to spend the morning and feel at home again hiking in the mountains far above the valleys. Love it.

Back onto the bikes and an 8.5km ride uphill all the way! Low gears and legs pumping we eventually arrived at Langbathsee (Lake Langbath) at 664m. It is beautiful. A lovely clear aqua lake surrounded by forest and mountains. We found a comfy bench to eat our sammies and then walked around the lake. By this time we were starting to tire. There is another lake further up from this one, but we gave it a miss. The good part was flying back down the road for 8 or more kms back to Ebensee barely pedalling all the way. Karilyn would have loved it. Some smart arse youngsters still flew past us without a care for cracks or potholes in the road.

Back at Rosenhof Gasthof it was definitely time for a rest, to read, check email etc and generally relax in the peaceful environment. TTAT's don't seem to do quiet holidays.

We have had a really good time in this part of the Salzkammergut and can thoroughly recommend the location for beauty, hospitality, activities, very comfortable lodging, great food and good pricing : see http://rosenhof-austria.com/welcome/

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Photos

The view from Feuerkogel
Fantastic views over the Austrian Alps. A great place to go hiking. Maybe next time.....

Alpine Flowers
June is the perfect time to visit for alpine flowers

More alpine flowers
I took many photos of alpine flowers.

Langbathsee
Further up the valley from the cable car to Feuerkogel