07 - 11.08.23: Stage 07 Schneealpenhaus - Krampen

Friday 11.08.23: Another good day!

The night was a horror...hardly slept in the dormitory - it's not my thing - then somehow collapsed at 02:00.. I reluctantly get up and take care of my smelly body. There is no shower at the Schneealpenhaus - no hot water at all - not even drinking water because the filtration system broke down...OK...pure nature!

At 09:00 I start my journey...the panoramic view is fantastic! From Schneealpenhaus, I first climb the +200m to Windberg (at most the top of the Schneealpe is around 1900m). From there, it's all downhill...- 1200m.....I was worried about my deteriorating knees: From Windberg, it goes sharply downhill (- 600m) through high alpine meadows, scrub fields, and rocks to Bodenalm - a delightful tour.

The original stage takes a big detour up to Hinteralm from here - I save myself that and about 6 km of the 26 km total stage. Instead, I cut directly from Bodenalm to Durchfall. Durchfall is a small stream that abruptly disappears into the ground - hence the name 'falling through the earth'. A wag would think of worse things! From Durchfall, it's about 10 km on a consistently descending forest road through forested mountain slopes to my destination Krampen. This section of the route is not so exciting!

After 6 hours of touring and about 20 km of trail, I reach my destination Krampen. The distance from Krampen to Neuberg a.d. Mürz to my accommodation (Gh. Schäffer) is covered by a friendly driver. In Neuberg, I am surprised by a beautiful cathedral - overall a very elegant place!

My body has adapted to the challenge by now! No pain apart from the general exertion. Of course, I feel my muscles and am exhausted in the evening, but it's nothing compared to the morning in Burgenland after the 1st stage, when I struggled to get up like a beetle lying on its back. Support muscles have formed around the joints and prevent the previous pain. My daughter was surprised that this happened so quickly. But you have to consider that I practically work out for 8 hours every day...it eventually has an effect.....

Personal message to TopCheckerBunny: Don't drink water at your house for the next 2 weeks - I spat in the spring...hehe 😉