Come along....: Nature

One of the reasons I love living in Munich is the fact that I'm in the mountains within one hour's drive. There are umpteen possibilities to conquer a different summit every weekend - if only I had the time!

With this post I'd like to take you along on my recent 2 day tour. Up to this tour I'd only undertaken day trips, so this was a novelty for me.

Leaving heavy fog behind us in Munich, two good friends and myself headed towards Austria. Thankful to get out of the city's morning rush-hour traffic we soon picked up speed once on the motorway. The fog began to fade, giving way to a brilliant blue sky. Our anticipation grew with every passing kilometre until finally we reached our starting point and changed our shoes for hiking boots. Strapping our ruck-sacks tightly to carry our load, our hiking sticks at the ready, we left the car behind and went in search of the right path to start our journey upwards.

Walking along at an easy pace, the scent of fresh pine and the rapid flow of the meandering stream intoxicating my senses, I can literally feel myself blend in with the beauties of nature. Words don't need to be spoken, thoughts don't need to be contemplated. I feel closer to God, more so than in any church. My mind drifts to Him, I offer up my prayers as I take one step at a time.

Time has little meaning as we make our way along the path. My friends ahead, I follow at a short distance, each of us lost in our own little world.

The trees are a pleasure to behold with their changing colours. Golden, yellow, red and green paint the scene set before the imposing mountain peaks and azure sky. Now I'm glad I chose this glorious Autumn day to make this trip.

Hours pass and our limps are beginning to ache as the path becomes steeper and steeper. Then all of a sudden - to our delight - there it is, looking strikingly quaint and charming. Our abode for the night. An almost century-old wooden mountain lodge - the Falkenhütte. We can't wait to dump our heavy ruck-sacks. We're lucky to get a bed in the last vacant 6-bedded tiny chamber with 3 bunk beds. The lower beds are all taken so we claim the three upper bunks and deposit our belongings there. After drinking a large glass of raspberry buttermilk we pick up our walking sticks again and continue our hike.

It's much easier going without a heavy load on our backs and less than an hour later we're standing on the peak of Mt. Mahnkopf. The view around us (no matter which direction we look) is magnificent!

After a rather restless night's sleep I woke up at 6.30 am, had a quick wash in the wash-room and went outside to capture the sunrise. Just look how the sun transforms the grey mountains into a soft, warm red-brown tone. The air smells fresh and crisp, a brisk breeze meets my face as I stand there admiring the new day.

We have a long trek ahead of us today so we don't want to hang around too long. After a hot cup of coffee and a bite to eat we set off on our way. The cabin becomes a tiny spot in the distance behind us as we follow the path, first of all descending, before levelling out and finally ascending steeper and steeper bringing us nearer to our goal.

The day gets warmer as the hours pass. It's tough going and spotting a large rock I suggest we stop for a rest. It's so peaceful, so wonderful just sitting there. I enjoy a gulp of water from my bottle before strapping my ruck-sack on my back and continuing.

Spotting the summit cross - as tiny as it looks from this distance - gives us a boast, telling us that we're not too far from our goal now. (Can you spot the cross in the photo here?) But now the strenuous part of the trek starts, over rock and stone, scrabbling sometimes with our hands, gripping tightly on to rock, careful not to lose balance or misstep as the outcome could be fatal.

Then...all of a sudden...we're there....we've reached the peak! We're standing at the summit and grinning with satisfaction!!

It's a tremendous feeling after all the effort to stand next to the summit cross and know you got there with your own strength and vigour. That you persisted on, didn't give up even when you were exhausted.

And then this reward!!! This panoramic view!! Mountain peak upon mountain peak, colours blending into each other. The most distance mountains capped with a blanket of snow. The azure sky, cloudless and bright above.

Now it's time to relax and bask in this fantastic environment. The snack of bread, cheese,tomatoes and cold meat taken from our ruck-sacks tastes delicious. No five-course meal in the best restaurant could taste any better!

I think this last picture sums it all up. Peace, contentment and utter satisfaction - My Passion for Trekking!

Today I'd like to introduce you to the beautiful river running through the heart of Munich. The Isar, whose waters flow from the Alpine region of Tirol in Austria provides visitors and locals with a variety of recreational opportunities.

The river offers fishing (only with a licence) as well as rafting, not wild rafting but floating down the calm river on a wooden raft full of people enjoying a river party which usually includes food, drink, music and a lot of fun on board the leisurely float trip. (Sorry, but I haven't got a photo of the rafting).

Or you can just enjoy a languorous picnic with family & friends on one of the many gravel or grassy shorelines while you listen to the gentle waves. You can take your own barbecue and grill your meat at selected locations along the banks. Bring along a guitar and the atmosphere is guaranteed!

Part of the river - the Eisbach - runs through the Englisher Garden. Here it is thoroughly enjoyed by surfers, who are offered a permanent wave at the southern part of the park where the river's waters shoot from an underground tunnel. So there's no need to travel hundreds of miles to the nearest coastline in order to surf - it can be done right here in the heart of Munich!

Whether you decide to walk or cycle along the numerous paths either side of the river, you'll not regret the outing. The changing face of the Isar always has something new to offer. Stop at one of the many bridges and relish the enchanting view from above. I can assure you that you'll want to come back again!

Maybe I'll bump into you there one day! :-)