10.09.2024

What an intense hiking day we had today!! But let's take it step by step: The weather was meant to boost our hiking spirits with plenty of sunshine, and it certainly did!! We set off towards Rosengarten, only 30km away, but with many winding roads, some narrow, and always uphill. We took the cable car to the Kölner Hütte at an altitude of 2337m. There we faced our 'trauma'. Last year we were here too, and when we saw the steep ascent behind the lodge, we turned back and decided to descend. About 30 years ago, we had also climbed up there and remembered the trail as very demanding. But today we didn't back down. Climbing was definitely required in the first part up to the first saddle; sometimes there was a steel cable, crampons, or both to assist us. But the view was sensational. One ascent could only be made using crampons and a ladder at an 85-degree angle. But we made it! The Rotwandhütte was quite busy around noon, so we continued hiking to the next lift and floated down into the valley in the sunshine. From there, it was ups and downs for about 2 hours to Welschnofen at the lift station. We took the gondola back up because our car was there. We started at 10 AM with the first ascent and by around 5:15 PM we were back at the car. Our feet and legs signaled that they only wanted to lie down. However, a cozy inn convinced us to stop for a well-deserved break, which we enjoyed in the sunshine. Let's see if all body parts have recuperated by tomorrow? But we must take advantage of the sun because on Thursday the weather fairies predict reading weather, meaning rain or snow.