Grossglockner

As we drove to Mayrhofen in rural Austria, we found it disconcerting that the highway continued to run straight thru the towns without slowing down or reduced traffic. We arrived at Mayrhofen and were shocked that the hotel was right on the hwy. Instead of fresh air we smelled diesel fumes. The hotel decorations were kitchy rather than authentic and we all agreed immediately this was not a place we wanted to stay. Plus they lost our reservation. So we stayed one night and began problem solving... where would we like to go instead?

Salzburg was an easy second choice. We reserved a place in the old town and headed out. It was hard to be leaving the mountains-but Marty found us the perfect antidote: a Day on the Glossglockner Hohenalpenstrasse (Try saying that five times fast! Once is more than I can manage!)

Glossglockner is the highest mountain in the Austrian Alps. Hochalpenstrasse means High mountain road. That is the truth! The Alps we viewed in Switzerland were softened by villages nestled under the peaks. The Glossglockner section is pure massive rock and glaciers and snow. Raw beauty of the mountains, approached by a series of 14 switchbacks--amazing! More like Alaska than Hurricane Ridge. At the top we had nearly 360 degree views. An interesting aspect of the road is special acknowledgement of motorcyclists who have a special 'bikers path' to the top. Lots of Harleys and leather up there, all of us really awed by the mountains. We met some friendly folks from Toronto (driving a Nissan). We thoroughly enjoyed the jaw dropping views at the top and celebrated with warm apple strudel and vanilla custard (and a latte) in the bright sunshine.