Summer in the Alps

In June, when Scandinavia and Lapland were roasting under the sun, it was cold and miserable in Austria. Luckily, the weather got better in July.

The playful kittens made sure that there was enough action.

Along with the baby cats, barbecuing, meeting friends, sun bathing and swimming were involved.

Having a lunch at the restaurant Freihof Sulz.

And while others were working on the roof tops...

... some of us were spending the warm summer night by having a blast at a cabin the locals call Maisäß. It is the Vorarlberger version of a summer cottage - without the lake, but with a view over the Alps. Generally, it consists of some folk music, good food, beers, great company and, of course, the view.

After the sun set, it was time to head home, and in a few days, back to Colombia. The Indian summer was over for me! Snif.

A Ski Tour

A fever has taken over Austria. It's spreading wildly over the country. Everyone has it. It makes people do the craziest things. And now I have it, too. No, it's not a new thing; I just got it late.

Maybe you have heard of it. Ski touring. Yup, skiing uphill on your downhill skis. They have hair on it.

I mean, I have done cross-country skiing like every proper Finn. In touring, the skis, bindings, and boots allow for free movement of the heel to enable a walking pace, similar to cross-country skiing. So I thought: "If you can crosscountry ski, you can do this". But still: this is skiing uphill with your heavy, wide downhill skis!

One time was all I needed to be brainwashed. One. Before I tried it on the last day of December 2012, I thought it's the weirdest thing.

They have that grip or "climbing skins", so that the ski will glide forward but not slide backwards.

So yes - after one time trying it, I was sold. I still wouldn't go far off-piste, but I have to admit it: it was so much fun! A great - an efficient - way to do outdoor sports. It's also more economic than downhill skiing - as soon as you have the gear, that is, because you work your way up.

The view is getting better and better the higher you go.

"Oh look, I forgot to shave!" :D

My first ski touring accomplished successfully!

Like in hiking, also in touring the aim is to reach the top of the mountain, where also a cross usually is. The custom is to say "Berg Heil!" and take a shot of Schnaps.

Sunset, as seen from the Berggasthof Falba Stuba in Laterns.

Until sunset we sat at the Gasthof, sipping some well-deserved Weizencola (wheat beer with Coke). Then it was time to ski down the hill, happy and red-cheeked.