Snowing heavy big globs this morning as we woke up, the ground and building
roofs were white, however the road was still clear indicating that the
temperature was not really low. The cloud was right down in the valley and it
was hard to see over to the other side. A long drawn out breakfast and
morning, as we were not going very far for a while.
The snow relaxed a little as the morning passed, but showed no sign of
stopping, so we settled for a walk around the valley ... taking in a
visit to the Spar shop for lunch then back the long way around. Gortex top and
walking boots were the order of the day.
We set off along the farm roads from the apartment heading to Au on the south
side of the river, angling to pick up the track there.
Then through an area of reserved woodland, that opened out to a caravan park
on the outskirts of Au.
Across the road to the Spar shop, and picking up some rolls and ham for lunch,
then we continued through the village and starting up the valley side as the
houses ran out.
This turned over a col beside a small lake and wild area, before passing
through some of the upper houses of the Schoppernau ski area.
As these ran out we traversed the side of the valley on a small snow covered
footpath, until it picked up another track.
The track passed under the gondola lift, the valley ski run (not open) and
over a river bridge
Looking up the river we could see several small falls - there was a larger and
more impressive one higher up the slope which we could see on our way back to
the apartment.
The track wound its way back down to the main centre of Schoppenau, and
passed a restaurant we could have visited on the first night if we had known
it was there, ending up back at the road.
From here it was back to the apartment for lunch, and more
dossing relaxing.
As the afternoon wore on the snow stopped completely and in the warm
temperatures the covering f the fields started melting so there was only a
light dusting higher up showing any indication of the day's impact.
After an afternoon hanging around the apartment it was time to get out for a
stretch before preparing dinner. A very different outlook to the morning
walk, this time it was bright and most of the snow had vanished.
Turning the opposite way we followed the river up the valley, past a very
innovative play park, with lots of "things" to play on.
Onwards from here past the swimming pool and tennis courts and into a quiet
pasture area with a number of summer barns.
Then we turned back across the river and followed the track to the end of the
village, picking up the road. Using this to get back to the turn off to our
collection of houses under the side of the valley.
Back once more in the house and thoughts turn again to tomorrow, though
we will wait and see what the weather delivers - will depend on how much snow
has fallen higher up and the stability of the snowpack.
