Wank (7/6 post) is in the Estergebirge range and Kramer (7/14 and 15 posts) is in the Ammergauer range. In the Wetterstein range are Eckbauer (6/30 post), Alpspitze (7/17 post), Zugspitze (highest peak) and Kreuzeck (Monday's adventure).
We left the apartment at 5:20 AM to bike west for 40 minutes. That direction is a continuous, albeit gradual incline so you can call it the workout before the workout!
At the trailhead we parked our bikes by a beautiful river and headed up the trail. Note the new hiking boots. After Friday's fiasco with the bad knees, we decided that it was time. Of course, I am now committed to continuing our hiking routine in Virginia when we return home!
In addition to a cross on almost every peak in Bavaria, there are also many religious shrines on trails; we passed another one today. This is something else that would never be seen on American trails.
At about 6:45 the sun peaked over the mountain range, giving us a beautiful view of Alspitze. We spent about almost an hour trying to pick up the trail from this meadow--only to discover that we had missed the trail further back.
After a short trail snack break at about 3838 feet (we live at 2329 feet and the trailhead in Hammersbach is at 2558 feet) Kreuzeck loomed ahead at 5438. Our home in Pine Mountain Club, CA was at 5300 feet but driving to PMC and climbing these mountains is very different!
At the top we stopped for coffee at the Kreuzeckhaus and to enjoy the view. Bob stamped his travel book (each mountain Hutte has its own unique stamp) and chatted with the man sitting behind me who took the lift and had been waiting 3 hours for his friend who was hiking up. They planned to climb Alpspitze together.
We also took a bathroom break and couldn't help laughing at the door identification. Even if you didn't know that D is for Damen (women) and H means Herren (men) you would be able to tell which restroom is which!
At the top we stopped for coffee at the Kreuzeckhaus and to enjoy the view. Bob stamped his travel book (each mountain Hutte has its own unique stamp) and chatted with the man sitting behind me who took the lift and had been waiting 3 hours for his friend who was hiking up. They planned to climb Alpspitze together.
We also took a bathroom break and couldn't help laughing at the door identification. Even if you didn't know that D is for Damen (women) and H means Herren (men) you would be able to tell which restroom is which!
We continued on to the next peak, Kreuzjoch (5638 feet)--which has apparently inspired a German musical duo to take its name. Check out the video for their traditional Bavarian music.
Bob has been fascinated with (and is smelling!) the Enzian flower that we saw everywhere. It is used in many liqueurs and to flavor some of the schnapps.
Always on the look-out for interesting wildlife--which seem fearless here--Bob found this cute little guy--a pure black salamander.
From Kreuzjoch we descended toward Hausberg (4330 feet). The trail was so steep there were steps and cables--thankfully. We also saw some amazing rock faces.
I am especially thankful for Bob's diligent study of German, starting in February and continuing here the entire time. We would have been severely limited in our activities apart from that gift and his enthusiasm for using the German language whenever he can.
Bob has been fascinated with (and is smelling!) the Enzian flower that we saw everywhere. It is used in many liqueurs and to flavor some of the schnapps. By the way, the link above also taught us more about the Shuhplattler--the men's part of a traditional Bavarian dance. Check out the video and see if you can do it. Apparently they are not swatting horseflies as we previously conjectured!
Always on the look-out for interesting wildlife--which seem fearless here--Bob found this cute little guy--a pure black salamander.
From Kreuzjoch we descended toward Hausberg (4330 feet). The trail was so steep there were steps and cables--thankfully. We also saw some amazing rock faces. At the end of a very long but amazing day we were, again, so very thankful for this opportunity. One year ago we had no idea we would be hiking in the Alps this summer!
Today marks "one week left" and it is hard to believe. We will be sad to leave this beauty but are getting ready for our return to real life.
I am especially thankful for Bob's diligent study of German, starting in February and continuing here the entire time. We would have been severely limited in our activities apart from that gift and his enthusiasm for using the German language whenever he can. 
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