In Nauders

August 9, 2024 to August 11, 2024

Disclaimer: No cycle touring content

We were both ready for a break when we reached our apartment on Friday afternoon. Even the ever reliable climber, Tour Leader, admitted that two days of gaining a lot of altitude was enough for now.

There was a short ride to a supermarket yesterday morning, to stock up for our self-catered stay here, and Bruce did take himself up a nearby hill later to ride a mountain bike trail. But I'd appointed myself to the laundry portfolio, along with monitoring the Olympics and staying awake long enough to listen to my current audiobook (Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus, highly recommended). The bike has been confined to the garage.

But today, another beautiful blue-sky day, deserves some activity. We come up with a plan to suit us both. The nearby Bergkastelseilbahn (mountain gondola) gives Bruce access to some interesting blue and green flow trails. It also offers walking tracks for me. And the clincher, a restaurant with a view.

These European skifield gondolas are always well set up for summer biking as well as hiking and other family activities. Bruce hooks his bike onto the outside and we're off - up to the top station at 2,200 metres.

This turns out to be a fantastic day of hiking, biking and eating at altitude. As always, we're surprised at the sheer numbers of people already up here enjoying themselves - mainly families, it seems. Tiny tots are whizzing around a kids' bike loop, panning for gold or cooling off in a water park. The family dog has not missed out either. As in Germany, here in Austria we see dogs out and about with their humans all the time. They're clearly not fazed by an 800 metre ascent in a gondola then.

Back at the top station for lunch and people-watching

We're back in our apartment by mid-afternoon, to escape the rising temperatures. And to check on the Olympics. (NZ's 10th gold to Ellesse Andrews, yes!!)

Tomorrow, we're back in the saddle.

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	14
Comment on this entry	Comment	10

Jill BrinsleyWow!! Stunning views. Loving the alpine scenes.
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Jill BrinsleyYes, it feels as though we're in picture-postcard land now. Forecast for coming week looks good, too.
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Tricia GrahamWhat a lovely relaxing day. The ride to the top of the pass from Naunders is so easy and then the most wonderful route down the Adige River. Have fun
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Tricia GrahamJust realised today is Saturday. Is there a Park Run in Naunders
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Carolyn van HoeveThat looked like a wonderful day. Stunning scenery!
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Tricia GrahamWe're really enjoying the ride along the Adige. Enjoying cold drink and strudel at Covelano right now!
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Tricia GrahamHaha, there is not. A small sacrifice to make in return for riding in the Alps!
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Carolyn van HoeveIt was a great off-bike day!
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Jacquie GaudetSo nice that canine members of the family are allowed in the gondola.
Reply to this comment
3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Jacquie GaudetWe love the European approach to dogs! We’ve passed so many dogs in trailers or baskets on family outings; they're certainly living their best lives.
Reply to this comment
3 months ago