AUF WEIDERSEHEN SALZKAMMERGUT - Phil & Jill

Today we say goodbye to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut area. What a wonderful time we have had. It is an unique area of ancient glacial lakes, that has developed a unique culture typical to this area, formerly inhabited by the Celts. Exemplified by a strong dedication to their traditional music and dancing; traditional clothes and ways of behaving. The Salzkammergut area is also called the Austrian Lakes region of which 13 of the 76 lakes are accessible by car. It is right in the heart of Austria. What a range of experiences we have had from the village wedding, to two marching bands playing instruments walking through St Gilgen and St Wolfgang respectively, to taking the train up 1710m to the Schafbergbahn. What a great experience as the little 120 year old train pushed 2 carriages up a 26 degree incline; with many mountains still having snow ; to following the civilisation of man for 7,000 years in the Salt Mine. The natural beauty of the whole area, culinary delights, friendly hospitality of our hosts.
This trip has just kept giving, particularly the plan to stop 3-4 days in each place to enable us to immerse ourselves in each town. This strategy has worked very well for us.

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The 542 bus came by from Dachstein and stopped at Hallstatt at 9.25am. 25 euros for the two of us bought tickets to Salzburg. Phil efficiently put the undercarriage locker. He has mastered the trick of turning the handle to get it open.

This was a direct bus to Bad Ischl so we didn't have to change buses at Golsmuhle. The road is hard on the edge of the lake and the reflections are mirrored in the water until the end of the lake. We were very lucky to be travelling today and not yesterday when the excessively heavy rain caused rockslides and the road to be cut in part. The weather is apparently problematic to the locals at the moment as there is more remnant snow in the mountains than usual due to a very heavy snow fall last winter and when it rains heavily now it washes more of the snow away which has been collecting rock and debris and this carries down the slope and falls outonto the road. A real hazard in these remote places.

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One interesting we saw on the way was a pile of logs stacked by the side of the road, systemically being shredded to chips.

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After travelling through Strobl and a few other villages including Fuschl with its Schloss high up on the hill, with lush green meadows along the way we arrived in very busy Salzberg at midday. The hustle and bustle of Salzberg reinforces how beautiful it is to stay in the peaceful, sleepy villages. We headed to a chemist and buy some more of the ' magic' cream which has been helping Phil so much. Then to the Hotel+ which has been storing Phil's big bag and my back pack for free for 15 days and allowing us to travel very lightly. Another thing that always intrigues us in Europe is the number of places you can take your dog, including on the bus.

We also watched a little girl playing in the fountain waters, outside the train station to keep cool. She was having a ball, running around and through the spouts of water, climbing in the marble pedestals and singing to her mother and an aunty, then demanding applause at the end. A real little performer.

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In the railjxt 67, carriage 23 and seat 101 and 102 at 3.08pm. 110 euros for two. This was the vehicle to take us
to Vienna our final destination. Only one more connection to the airport. I can't believe we have achieved all those connections from the beginning of the trip. We made our plan in Melbourne and executed it in France, Italy and Austria. We had to find all those bus stations, extract information on train travel, find our accommodation once we arrived in the city and learn about a multitude of attractions to see. Whew we did it!!! And I couldn't be happier. What a team Phil & Jill make. We have loved it.

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Now to explore a little of Vienna before we fly out on Friday.