Munich to Hopfgarten, Austria (Österreich)

This morning, we bid auf wiedersehen to Munchen with a slight hangover. The two Tylenol I took before I went to bed really helped. The tour continued to Hopfgarten, a ski resort situated in the province of Tyrol, Austria. The drive to the Bavarian Alps was very scenic (small villages alongside rivers, the mountain top still covered with snow, alpine meadows full of wildflowers.) I slept most of the way. The optional activity this morning was white water rafting by the River Inn in Tyrol beneath the Alps. This was really a good reprieve after last night. Colin, Lianne, Julie, Claire, Jose, Sharon from New South Wales and I plus our guide were on the same raft. Alan did not come (does not know how to swim). There were 5 rafts among us. The 16 miles section of our river rafting (whose name I did not bother to ask), dishes up everything from mellow to churning Class IV rapids. Our guide was from Australia and he was really a comic. He came up with bizarre games during some flatwater runs. The objective of these games was not to fall overboard. I fell a couple of times and although I was wearing a wet suit, the river was very cold! But it felt good on my head after last night. We paddled while seating on the edge of the raft and our feet were hook to the straps provided. On certain occasion, our guide will give a command where everyone will seat inside, duck and grab the life line and just ride the rapids. No way can anybody paddle on those rapids. The rapids were very exhilarating and what a rush! Everytime water hits my face, the more sober I become.

After checking in at Gasthof Lukas early afternoon, three activities were planned for us. Biking through the valley, trout fishing, and hiking to the Hohe Salve (5,993 ft). I opted for hiking to the mountains. I have been primed while in the bus because they played The Sound of Music. The hills are really alive. The 3 stage chairlift gave us access to the higher ridge and ultimately a splendid view of Defereggen Mountains. Everywhere you look was amazing and beautiful. You could see the Alps still covered with snow from the distant. The wooden chalets, barns on the hill, fir trees and those winding dirt road were just postcard picture perfect. After covering that distance on a chairlift, there was no way I am hiking down. Everybody agreed except Sharon and Lauren. They left us at the time the chairlift stalled. It will be operational in 20 - 25 minutes. So I decided to walk down and catch the next chairlift. I was doing switchbacks and shortcuts to catch up with Sharon and Lauren that I did not see a hole covered with bushes in front of me. Halfway through my knee and ankle were covered with mud. It could have been worse since cows were grazing the meadows. Finally caught up with them and we had to find our way around since the dirt road leads to some of the chateau and we did not want to trespass. But that really was the only way. The folks were very friendly though. I now know of place to retire. Imagine yourself during winter, fireplace on the chalet, snow-laden fir trees and a place nestling at the foot of a ski resort. Skiing, biking and paddling as a way of life!

Liz and Helmut own this family run Haus Lukas hotel. They have been welcoming Contiki guests for over 10 years. After a welcome drink of schnapps, dinner was served by them with the help of Andee (tour manager) and Chris (bus driver). I joined Matthew, Angela and Geneva in a table of four. Angela, being the dessert chef apprentice, offered to put butter on our bread. The goulash soup tasted very good, so were the schnapps (Devil’s brew, Sambuca, Blue Ice and Jagermeister).

Our pictures from the white water rafting arrived and I have been suckered to buy those as souvenir pictures. Who wouldn’t. Around 10 PM, a small party went to the local pub to have bier and play pool. Some of the younger crowd headed for the disco place. The rest stayed in the hotel bar trying out those different schnapps shots. For some reason, I have paced myself well and after 4 shots of schnapps, I went out with the group to the local pub for 2 more rounds of bier. Then we all joined those who went dancing. The music here in Europe is the typical fast techno-mix. Another night of fun until 2 AM.