2024 Sept 11 Wednesday

Fernstein (Obtarrenz) to Imst

The morning was sunny,  but we expected a taxi transport in the morning to get us to our hike start. The hiking company literature gave conflicting times: pick up at 9:00, 9:30, or 10:00. We waited, but due to traffic, the taxi did not arrive until 10:50. We expect almost the same mileage to hike today as well as yesterday, so daylight could definitely be an issue. We decided to ask the taxi driver to take us further so we could avoid a big uphill hike and hopefully cut enough time off the day.

11:17 am to 4:35 pm. 5.61 miles, 14,283 steps. Elevation +600 feet. No rain.

Here is Richard’s Relive video for today: https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVEzz4Q36

After a frustrating morning of waiting for our taxi transfer, we are finally ready to hike on the Starkenberg Panorama Trail. Richard has researched and recommended that we skip the first big climb and that we begin on a downhill section.
This church, the Chapel of Obtarrenz from 1833, was next to the small hamlet when we were dropped off. As usual, it was open for our visit.
Outside the chapel, the crucifix included a reminder about what might happen to sinners.
For an enjoyable time, the trail was level in a beautiful forest.
As we descended on the trail, we could see a raging stream in the gorge below. We have to get across!
The stairs are solid, but don’t look down when you cross the bridge! Then there are an endless number of stairs to climb.
The town is far below. We’re passing through the mystical area of Salvesenklamm where, if you believe the legends, witches performed wild dances.
The magical stories and history are still celebrated in town festivals and traditions.
As we get further down the path, we’re seeing more farms and animals in the lower valley.
As we enter Imst, the main church is very close to our hotel for the night. We must have a look.
This church is much simpler looking with white walls, wood ribs, and stained glass. The outside is decorated with murals, obviously old, but wearing in the weather.
Our hotel in Imst. The proprietor was particularly helpful in advising us of times for tomorrow’s walk, including bus transportation both in the morning and at the end of the day.

8 Responses

  1. Such a pretty forest with all the ferns. I love that the town still has festivals celebrating folk lore and their history. Your hike that day might have started with a hick-up however it looks like much better weather and beautiful scenery.

    1. The hike was really green and pretty. I knew you would love the witchcraft tales but I can’t say that we saw much beyond the chasm where it supposedly took place. Wouldn’t it be fun to be there for their festival?

    1. Never look. March across as fast as possible and remember what Caleb says: “conquer your fears.” I surely didn’t want to turn around and start back!

  3. So much beauty around you! But much more challenging? You must be finding these challenges different from walking the Camino? At least your weather looks better on this day. Again, Wendy and I find it amazing you both are so adaptable and good at problem solving.
    Dan

    1. The Camino routes we have done are well-traveled and therefore have fewer pitfalls (although we have been lost at times). We’re now on trails that aren’t so well traveled but the hikers we see seem to be were able to adjust their paths as necessary. These are people who are used to these rugged trails and know how to handle them. I am in awe of how fast and seemingly fearless they are—often without poles. We just keep going and enjoying each day.