Day 3 Stage 5 Vorderriß-Karwendelhaus

Flashes of lightning and rain woke me up last night. And immediately my mind started racing. What about tomorrow? Will I not be able to complete the stage or will I arrive at the hut late? The day after tomorrow might be a difficult and long tour. Breakfast is supposed to be at 8:00. That's too late for me. The alternative of taking the bus to Hinterriß is stupid, as it only leaves at 10:40. At 6:30, I decided to skip breakfast and started walking at 7:00. Today's goal is 24 km, 1400 meters of elevation gain. It feels really stupid to wake up at 6:00 and then stay in bed. The first 11 km to Hinterriß today were not that exciting, as some parts were along the road. Once I arrived in Hinterriß, I went to the only inn and enjoyed an apple strudel with coffee. I could literally feel the energy. The path led through narrow trails but also forest roads until the small Ahornboden. This is a large clearing with many very old mountain pine trees. Allegedly, they were able to reproduce and survive here due to the 30 Years' War. During that time, there was no livestock up here, and nature was left to itself. Mountains all around. The weather today had it all. A little rain, cloudy, and since 15:30 sunshine.

The path to the Karwendelhaus led across a high meadow, with cowbells ringing everywhere. Annoying at times are the horseflies.
At 19:30 today, the hut warden will provide a weather forecast. He will also announce whether it is possible to hike the Birkarspitze tomorrow or not. When I asked him upon arrival, he was rather pessimistic. If not, I will have to choose an alternative.
Last night, I also realized that it was silly to book so much in advance. What was that about never stop learning? 😏