Breckerspitze und Ankl Alm

I have to share some of the pictures from my first hiking trip in the Bavarian Alps. Because this mountain is so close to Munich (just 35 minute drive) this is part of what is called the Hausberg (the House Mountains of Munich). I have to thank my colleague - Claus Rottlaender for taking me along with some of his friends who were avid hikers!

A couple of short comments. One - after a long time I really got to do some real hiking. Toronto area is not conducive to hiking...there are no hills. Yup, forget about mountains, they don't even have any decent hills to hike on. So for three years in Toronto didn't get to do any decent hiking...although there was a short camping trip to Alguanquin (sp?). Also in early July I was in San Antonio for Sidak and there was a outdoor activity - a hike around "Enchanted Rock". Well, yes...it was a rock, no trees, a little bit of greenery, but not a "real hike". It was fun, but not hiking. This trip to Breckerspitze (the name of the peak), now that was a HIKE! It is 1640 meters above sea level. Its one of the easiest ones in the Bavarian region my colleague says! But boy what a workout I got! It was worth it and to prove it check out some shots below!

Along the way to the peak was a place of rest (farm house) also called an Alm. This was Ankl Alm. We stopped by it on the way down. 'Twas very quaint and traditional. They served fresh buttarmilch (buttermilk or Lassi!!) but I had an Apfelschorle instead. If I had the lassi, I would have passed out and fallen asleep right there...I was tired on the way down too! This place had a watering tub for the cows and goats. Cows were having their afternoon tea (water) while many hikers were having their wiesbeer, buttarmilch, apfelschorle etc. Way cool!

Carhdi kala!

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click on the pics to get a better view....

Begin the journey...
I already started getting tired...but had to take some shots

Click on this one and you can see the cows. The little house is the Ankl Alm.
Pretty much at the top now, pretty cool view of the town below...

Breckerspitze is actually surrounded by three lakes. Don't ask me the names of the lakes...


Claus took a picture of me....he said I have to get the lake in the background. Easy now, don't fall over the edge...
Claus' friend, Bernd, and myself. We have started the descent...but first visit the chapel...

A catholic chapel way up on the mountain. The Germans actually went in and prayed I think. It was Sunday...
"bhavar tumara eh manu hovohu hari carna hoai kaula..."Back near the Alm the goats fighting for the shade...
It was tiring but great. Gotta do one more hike before I leave Germany at the end of October.