Starkenburgerhutte
Monday, 22nd June
| Walk: | Bruggeralm, Galtalm, Knappenhutte, Starkenburgerhutte, Balcony path, Schlick 2000 | ||
| Start Point: | Gondola to Bruggeralm | Distance: | 9 miles |
| Ascent: | 3,640 feet | Descent: | 980 feet |
| Time: | 5.5 hours | ||
| Weather: | Mainly sunny | ||
| Comments: | Today both groups walked together - a pleasant change to normal. After walking from the hotel to the gondola station a short ride took us to the middle station. There we were privileged to spot a calf that could only have been an hour or so old. It was being well looked after by its mother and we eventually left it to begin the walk. A gradually ascending forest track took us along the flanks of the mountain with good views into the valley and across to the mountain ranges on the opposite side. A last steeper pull - or even steeper if you took the short cut - brought us to the Starkeburgerhutte. From here we had great views across to a number of mountain summits, including Habicht, and into the valleys. After a good break for lunch we headed back along the balcony path which varied from narrow track to scree path but the views were just awesome. Towards the end of the balcony path there were many wayside flowers just waiting to be photographed. Tearing ourselves away from the flowers we returned to the Schlick 2000 for a great descent to Fulpmes and back to the hotel. | ||
A beautiful morning . . .
as we gather outside the hotel . . .
before walking through the village . . .
to the gondola station . . .
where Gill heads off first
We leave at the middle station . . .
where Sue poses for a photo
Nearby we spot . . .
a calf that looks like it's just been born . . .
and mum gives it all her attention . . .
stimulating its responses . . .
before a little rest to gather strength
Zooming in on Nockspitze which Al's group climbed on Sunday
Low cloud in the Inssbruck direction . . .
and a glacier at the head of the valley
Quite a collection of farm implements . . .
and Gillie can't resist the swing
The Elferhutte can just be seen near the top of the meadow
Not the most inviting spot for a break . . .
but the view is fantastic
Butterfly goes piggy-back on my backpack
Looking to the head of the valley
The Starkenburgerhutte comes into view . . .
and before long we enjoy our lunch . . .
in this fantastically situated . . .
hut
Then it's time to take in the views . . .
of the Oberberg Valley . . .
and Habicht
Time to head out along the Balcony Path . . .
sometmes on limestone sections . . .
with Al taking the lead
In a grassy section a marmot is spotted . . .
as is a soldanella (alpine?)
Time for a group photo . . .
and who would expect to find a stile here?
Another good spot for a photo
Clusius gentian . . .
and a closer shot
Alpine bartsia . . .
and from a different angle
Could this be . . .
an auricula?
Moss campion
A painted lady perhaps?
Round leaved gentian . . .
and again
Take off for paragliding
Enjoying a bit of fun . . .
or taking a snooze . . .
at the end of a great walk