The weather in the valley wasn't that bad at all today (June 13, 2008). Yesterday the morning had looked like this as well but very quickly the clouds dissolved. So...most probably that would happen today as well.......we thought.
So we took the Acherkogel cable car (in Oetz) up to the center of the so called Hochoetz area, well know for its skiing facilities (in winter) and hiking opportunities (in summer). There is a huge panorama restaurant stationed at 2020m, directly at the Acherkogel lift upper station. Although....we were not able to detect it due to poor visibility. Even worse it started to snow !
Well, we do not give up that easily and started to walk up to the Bielefelder Hutte (2112m) to see if the weather would improve later on.
But of course that did not happen, but as the track is really well prepared and not too difficult we decided to try to get to the Wetterkreuzkogel (2591m).
Sometimes the clouds dissolved and we were rewarded with astonishing views towards the valley of Oetz.
We progressed rather well (only about 100 meters below the top) as suddenly our path was blocked by a huge snowfield. As this part of the track was rather steep and we were not able to detect where exactly the track was going, and after a few scary attempts to pass this snowfield, we decided it was better to return the way we came.
Elgar persisted on making pictures at that spot while it was freezing cold up there.
Of course as soon as we descend the weather improves again and showed us how beautiful it must be up here when the sun shines.
We stop at the Bielerfelder hutte, this time to warm up a little bit and of course for a quick lunch. We opt for the famous "Kaisersmarren". You should really try it once. We know for sure that you are hooked forever.
The weather meanwhile had improved and now and then the sun popped out. We decide to not take the cable car back, but to walk all the way down to Oetz (or was it Elgar who had this great idea ???).
Math stumbled over a rock (see the pic with Math walking) and suddenly disappeared in the bushes. I had not even noticed it until I heard some groans.
There he was, in a very awkward position unabling me to help him out of there. After a few curses (which I will not repeat here) he was able to get back on his feet again. Luckily nothing broken, only one of his trekking poles had broken off completely, most probably causing his fall.
And we have to thank Elgar as well, cause he was in the backpack which broke the fall.
Upon arrival at the Acherberg Sennhutte (1893m) and descending through the forest on a difficult track, we encounter a more easygoing track and decide to take that track instead of maybe yet another fall.
Oetz is nearing and nearing and we just can't wait to reach the car. All in all it took us more than 3 hours to descend from the Bielefelder hutte to the car park at the Acherkogel cable car. So not a good walk for the knees, despite the trekking poles.
We promise ourselves to try another attempt at the first sunny day which crosses our path. (and we can already tell you: we managed to get to the top and do a part of the "Knappenweg" track). More info and pictures to follow later on. So stay tuned !
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