Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Off to Iowa (actually Austria)

Driving to another country in Europe is sort of like traveling to other states in the U.S.
Fourth of July weekend plans for us didn't include fireworks,
instead we were in awe of majestic Austrian and Swiss mountains.
We lodged near Innsbruck with a phenomenal view out our window.
Austria is one of our favorites.
The sun rises, showing off a panoramic landscape of unmatched beauty.
People are genuine, value tradition, and are dynamic with spirits
that thrive on outdoor sporting activities.
We hiked, admiring Alpine meadows filled with wild flowers and grazing animals.Bells around the necks of goats, sheep and cows sounded like wind chimes.
Miles and miles of paths cut through the mountains displaying unending pleasing sites.

Morning snail watching (have to get up with the sun for this one) was a new activity for us.
Big (5 inch), fat, slow moving creatures were out on stroll.
Sort of cute, Europeans eat them like caviar, we'll stick to chocolate.




Afternoon drives introduced the assignment of not hitting Tour de France wannabes on curvy, tight mountain roads.
Pedaling away, sweating, grimacing, struggling, panting . . . testosterone propelled men challenged themselves!
(even when a body is really toned, I don't think tight fitting biking outfits should be worn in public)