Good morning from Santa Fe!
We never thought Austria could knock Switzerland off its pedestal as our favorite Ryder-Walker travel destination. But it may well be the case after the picture-perfect Heart of Austria trek. The weather was divine -- our rain jackets and fleeces never left our packs. The Austrian people had an unexpected joie de vivre. The food was stellar, especially the Kaiserschmarrn we wolfed down right from the pan.
But what really kicked the trip over the top was the brother-sister guide duo of Babsi and Willi Glanznig. They are justly proud of their native Austria and their enthusiasm was contagious. We have dubbed Babsi "The Hiking Yogi," after she led us in a Yoga class on hut night as a group of teenagers looked on in horror! She and Willi also conducted a master class on schnapps and aperol. And as a postscript...since when do brothers and sisters get along so well?!
-Blythe Fortin