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hikinghappy · 6 years

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GNP Trip Report - Lake McDonald Lodge & Canoeing (Day 1 Part 2)

After about an hour of relaxing at Apgar and taking in the view across Lake McDonald (see Part 1 here), we decided a change of scenery would be fun and left for Lake McDonald Lodge. On the way we saw Sprague Creek campsite, where we wanted to stay the following night, so we drove in to check it out and figure out the process to get a first-come-first-served campsite. We honestly didn’t quite understand the process from looking at the information in the campground, but driving around there were a number of campsites with a 27 on them, meaning they’d be checking out the next day. We took that as a good sign but still decided the best plan was to arrive early. Brian checked out the recreation.gov website later, which records the time that campsites are filled each day in Glacier, and it said Sprague Creek filled by 9 AM on Friday and didn’t fill up at all on Thursday. We were so excited to camp, and were hoping for the best in getting a campsite!

We then parked at Lake McDonald lodge and made some sandwiches for lunch, then walked up to the main lobby. The hotel was so cool! It was much smaller than I thought it’d be, but it had a great western feel. The lobby extended upwards three floors in the middle and had animal heads all over the walls. We wandered outside and got another view of Lake McDonald – it was very different from the view at Apgar Village as the view of the mountains was blocked. We personally thought that the view was grander over at Apgar, with the mountains towering beyond the lake.

We ate our sandwiches on a bench down by the lakeside, and enjoyed some good people watching along with the scenery. Then we rock-hopped across a stream and sat on the rocky beach for a while, even putting our feet in the water. The first dip was SO cold and sent shivers through my body, but I got used to it. I think the water was definitely warmer by Apgar. Across the water were acres of white trees with no leaves, which were the remains of a forest fire from years ago. The Sprague fire was actually burning across the road and had been going for about a week. We could smell the fire a little and could hear helicopters flying around, but the reports at the time were that the fire was contained. About a week later it spread significantly, and Lake McDonald lodge closed early for the season and the historic Sperry Chalet mostly burned down. It was definitely a moving reminder of how powerful natural forces could be, especially in a place as wild as Glacier.

We headed back to Apgar and checked into the Village Inn. It was 3 PM but free cups of coffee at the front desk called our names – definitely gave us the second wind we needed! After relaxing for awhile and drinking our coffee, we rented a canoe to explore Lake McDonald! It was HOT out on the middle of the lake, a striking comparison to the freezing water splashing up, and eventually a breeze picked up. Paddling over near the north shore, we heard a bird calling so we looked around for it, excited for our any wildlife encounters. Soon enough, a big bird swooped out of the woods and over the lake. It landed further up the shore, and while we were looking for it guess what we spotted – a bald eagle!! It was perched on a branch near its nest, and we heard high pitched chirps that we thought might be babies!! We sat and watched the eagle for awhile, totally in awe.

Time totally got away from us and suddenly our rental hour was almost up! We paddled very hard back to the shore, and switched off being in the muscle in the front versus the driver in the back. Our skills at staying in a straight line were only so-so, but we made it back and had a ton of fun!

Back at the hotel, we had a beer out on our porch and just continued to enjoy the scenery. We ended up chatting quite a bit with our neighbors, who were really nice and had been to a lot of the national parks so they had some good stories to tell about Yosemite and Alaska. Brian and I each enjoyed local beers – Big Sky IPA and Flathead Lake Brewing Company Centennial IPA, both of which were great. We made a quick dinner in our stove, away from the hotel room, of angel hair pasta with cherry tomatoes and pesto. It was delicious!

We sat for a while longer on our porch and watched the sunset. We also noticed that the smoke from the Sprague fire up on the hill sank down over the lake as it got darker. We came out after showering to look at the stars before turning in and they were absolutely insane. As people who live in a busy metropolitan area, the number of stars in the sky blew us away. We saw a couple shooting stars and I’m pretty sure the Milky Way. What a great way to end our first day in Glacier National Park! We couldn’t wait to get up and get going on our next adventure.

Thanks for reading! Day 2 (hiking Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars) will be coming soon.

#Glacier National Park #Find your park #explore #travel #lake mcdonald #trip report #photographers on tumblr #original #wanderlust #hiking #canoeing #glacier #national parks #montana #nps #outdoors

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barontravelllc · 4 years

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Take an elevator up to the Eagle's Nest

A short drive from Salzburg, through hollowed-out mountains, the Eagle’s Nest – or Kehlsteinhaus – is a monument to the greed of the Nazi regime. Rise up to this chalet perched on a sheer rock wall and be struck by the eerie contrast of the idyllic setting and the people who once roamed its halls.

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sjworldtour · 5 years

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21/11/19 Feeling the heat on Magnetic Island

On Tuesday morning we set off early and caught the 7am bus up to Townsville. Travelling another 5 hours north has put us in an even hotter, drier landscape, and we continue to be flabbergasted by the sheer scale and endlessness of Australia.

Arriving in Townsville, Sam went to forage for food (including our fave white choc and cranberry cookies) while joey babysat the bags. Despite joey tring her best to lose a ticket, we caught the ferry over to Magnetic Island. So called because when Cook first discovered it it appeared that compass needles would always point to the island, but that is in fact not true. We had a short but bimbly bus ride to our hostel, which spreads along Nelly Bay, chalet-like dorm rooms following a dry creek bed in a long arc. The rooms are fine and the pool is great but the kitchen is hopeless. We're starting to feel like we could design a really great hostel. Within minutes we splished into the pool to cool off, finally understanding why anyone would build a pool right next to the ocean - it's for when the ocean is full if things that want to kill you.

Early evening we walked along the 4wd track up towards West point, popping in to Cockle Bay which was beautiful and quiet although sadly we didn't see any crocodiles or koalas. Sam spotted a huge hunting bird though, possibly an eagle, and of course white cockatoos where everywhere being noisy.

We walked back to picnic bay and lay in the dusty sand for a few minutes, not quite getting up the energy to swim even though there's a stinger net. It's another pretty beach, with a picturesque painted white pier stretching out across the quiet water. Once the sun started dipping low over the mountains we hiked up a rocky trail to Hawkings point to watch the sunset. On the way we passed a kookaburra sat on someone's mailbox, so still that at first joey thought it was fake. It was a pleasant climb up the hill, obviously hot (everything is always hot) but with shady patches. The vegetation here is pretty scorched it almost looks autumnal, and there were loads of likely snake hiding places among the rocks and dusty yellow leaves. We luckily didn't see any, and emerged at the lookout to great views across Nelly Bay to the east and picnic bay, mainland Australia, and the rapidly setting sun to the west. There was a group of twenty-somethings loudly discussing their hostelling experiences (including judging our byron bay hostel for not being real (??)) And an entertaining family taking zillions of photos while squeaking at each other.

After the sun had gone we set off, turning down a side track we hoped would take us in the direction of home but ended up dwindling to almost nothing, and once Sam got a face full of spiders web we got a little bit freaked out. Luckily we made it down to a residential street without being eaten and made our way home safely from there. We chilled at the hostel in the evening and wandered down the beach to look at the stars before bed, Sam seeing a good shooting star.

Woke up early and caught a bus up to the Northern side of the island to get some walking in before it gets too insanely hot. Hiked up to an old WW2 fort with beautiful 300deg sea views and interesting signs about the fort's history. They talked about all the women gossiping after evening with attentive men, a man who stole and stockpiled grog, and the evening the Americans stole aussie women, Aussies stole American grog, and everything got nasty.

Wanting to head towards the bays to the north, we found a track down other side of the hill. It was signposted no people but we did it anyway naughty. Had to watch our steps carefully so as not to get a face full of spiders. The floor was ashy from fires (bush fires are rubbish for humans but weirdly essential for the ecosystem) and teeming with lizards, scrub fowl and the occasional wallaby. The trees were full of sticky sap ants nests and weird fat kapok fruits. Eventually we reached the main path and walked along a shady lane to Radical Bay. Very pretty beach fringed with frangipani trees but obvs can't swim because of death jellies so climbed on rocks. Very happy to have cold water in our bottles. From there we climbed up a giant hill, by now past 10am and the sun was punishing. Joey's face turned beetroot. Nearly died.

Eventually reached Horseshoe bay which had a shop selling cold water, some shade, and a stinger net hurray!! Got in the hot sea to try to cool down a bit then sat in shade to dry off. Brunch at artsy cafe with tasty milkshake. Wandered up the lane across a bridge promising crocodiles nearby (but didn't see any), then walked through a lush bananaey woodland swarming with butterflies. Spotted two enormous kookaburra, a rainbow lorikeet, hundreds of giant flying foxes (bats) sleeping in the gum trees, and a silk web spider.

We caught a bus back south towards Arcadia and Geoffrey bay, hired snorkels and stinger suits and had a wonderful hour and a half snorkelling on the reef. More corals and fish including two giant grumpy looking stripey fish, two sting rays, and six giant clams. There was a snorkel trail following bright yellow buoys, and the blue buoy at the end indicated a shipwreck, but the water was too deep and murky out there today so we couldn't find it. Sam gave joey a lesson in diving with snorkel stuff. A tiny bright yellow fish made friends with joey and followed her the whole way back from the main bit of the reef to the boat ramp at the side. We clambered out of our snorkel gear, careful not to burn our feet on the scorching concrete, then wandered around the bouldery headland which turns out to be the home of rock wallabies. It was far too hot for the wallabies to be out and about but we found a few sheltering in shady cracks, and one hopped enthusiastically over to sam by the car park, in the hope that he had something tasty on him.

We headed back to the hostel and chilled out for the afternoon, then joined in the hostel's trivia quiz, teaming up with two girls Phoebe and Hannah who, like us, were feeling all a bit too old and sober for the sillier of the games. Quiz was fun but infuriating as we never found out the answers to the questions, or how badly we did.

On Thursday morning we strolled back over the hill to Picnic Bay, keeping our eyes peeled for koalas, and went for a pleasant early morning dip in the stinger net. There was a kookaburra posing on the beach. We had breakfast in a slightly fancier café than we would have chosen ideally, but it was great food. Trudged back to the hostel in the rapidly rising heat, checked out and chilled out until our bus to the ferry terminal. The bus was crazily full of faffing backpackers, and takes a very circuitous route, so Sam was fretting watching his fitbit as the ferry departure time drew closer. Luckily it actually left at 13:35 not 13:30 (which was why Joey wasn't panicking) so all was fine. We caught the ferry, caught our Greyhound (with a very weird checking in procedure, the driver calling each person on by name which took forever) and drove away through Townsville. The large novelty spiders on lampposts and the sides of buildings seemed to be pretty much the highlight of Townsville, and we didn't feel like we were missing out by not staying there.

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easytravelpw-blog · 6 years

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Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/5-unmissable-ski-chalets/hotels/

5 Unmissable Ski Chalets

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1 – Introduction2 – Chalet des Fermes in Megève, France3 – Eagle’s Nest in Val d’Isère, France4 – Iglú Hotel in Grau Roig, Andorra5 – The Glass House in Niseko, Japan6 – Xalet Font in Soldeu, Andorra

Introduction

The beauty of the mountains, the fresh air, and the thrill of downhill skiing are understandable draws, and so is the après ski and where you stay can really add to the experience.

We’ve sought out some of the most attractive, well-equipped, and well-located ski chalets in the world, intimate places you can retreat to with your partner and kids, as well as sprawling mansions capable of housing multiple families, or a very large group of friends.

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#travel #airlinetickets #airtickets #cheapairfare #planetickets #travelinsurance #travelquotes #travelblogger #traveller #travelling #travelocity #travelodge #vacation

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postcards-fromafar · 6 years

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Vienna & Salzburg

Our fall trip to Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law had been in the works for quite some time. Other than their honeymoon to the Bahamas 30+ years ago, my parents had never left the country. My dad had also never had much desire to do so. That all changed after my parents and their friends went on an excursion to our hometown’s local Oktoberfest. Rumor has it that after a couple of steins, my father exuberantly declared that they should all go to Germany!

My sister and I decided to capitalize on this desire and twisted his arm until he agreed to an eight day trip abroad to visit Austria and Germany and (of course) go to the real Oktoberfest (or Wiesn, as the Germans call it) in Munich. My mom required very little arm twisting and was only too happy to agree to the trip. We solidified the decision to go on the trip one year ago over a German meal at Edelweiss in Chicago.

Our journey started in Austria with a few days in Vienna and a quick one day stop in Salzburg. Check out the next post for details on our time in Munich.

Highlights

-Schloss Shoenbrunn- We spent a good part of one of our days in Vienna at this former imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs. We went on a tour inside and also spent part of the day wandering around the grounds. We also went up the large hill and checked out the view from on top of the Gloriette.

There were lots of interesting statues...including this one. What on earth is the third person doing under there??

While at Schloss Schoenbrunn, we went and explored the maze on the grounds and there was this little area where you walk on the blocks to get across the water. Under the yellow sign was a fountain that would spray you when you walked across. Except... it only sprayed my dad. Every time. Our whole family tried it and some other random tourists did as well but consistently he was the only one it would spray. Look closely and you can see the action shot here. It was absolutely hysterical.

-Wiener Weinwandertag aka “Vienna Wine Hiking Day”- Although not originally on our radar, we learned about this annual event from an American expat at a bar our first night in Vienna and just couldn’t say no. There were three routes through the vineyards that collectively covered 15+ miles. We did part of one of the routes and stopped at about a half dozen wineries.

We drank plenty of wine (and sturm!) on our wine hike, including a type unique to Austria. More on the sturm later.

-Wandering around Vienna- My parents went to evening mass at St. Stephen’s and we also spent a decent amount of time wandering around various parts of the city. Dan, Warren, and I went and checked out a local market.

-Checking out the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg- We took the funicular up as this would have been quite the strenuous hike, took a brief tour, and spent some time soaking in the gorgeous views from up there.

The views were stunning from on top.

-Walking around Salzburg- We basically got a bonus day in Salzburg that we weren’t expecting to have when our Eagle’s Nest tour was canceled. The four of us (me, Dan, Dad, and Warren) made the most of it by spending hours walking around the city.

-Sound of Music tour for Kerri and Mom- Both of them watched the movie again on the plane ride over so were pumped up about the tour. They got to see many of the locations from the movie while also learning fun facts about the filming.

Bummers

-We had meant to visit Eagle’s Nest in Berchesgaden but got an email that morning that it was closed due to snow. Eagle’s Nest would have been really interesting to see; the mountaintop chalet was a 50th birthday present to Hitler, the fireplace was from Mussolini, and the place was basically a Nazi retreat. On the plus side, we got to wander around Salzburg for the day (and we wouldn’t have had much time otherwise).

Eats

-Goulash- Beef in gravy. A hearty first meal to kick off our trip.

-Schnitzel at Figlmueller- Legit bigger than our plates. This place was recommended by Warren’s coworker and did not let us down. The schnitzel was delicious and the “salad” (lots of potatoes!) was a nice accompaniment.

-Apfelstrudel- A traditional pastry in Austria- we had this many times over the course of the trip. Yum!

-Sacher torte- A famous Viennese dessert invented for the prince in 1832. It’s a dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in between the cake and frosting. Fun Fact I learned while writing this blog post: December 5th is National Sacher Torte day in the US (because apparently we needed a holiday for that??)

-Giant sausages from a würstelstand- My dad had one the first day and was chasing this high the rest of the trip. Sausages you get in restaurants don’t seem to compare to the ones at the würstelstands in terms of size.

-Spinach ravioli (woo!)- Kerri got rather frustrated after a couple dinners where the only vegetarian option was spinach ravioli.

-Augustiner beer hall- We went to the one in Salzburg but they also have one in Munich. It was a unique experience in a gigantic facility with self serve beer stations and food stalls- lots of options! They only serve one beer- whatever happens to be in season at the time.

Drinks

-Wine- We had lots of wine but one in particular was unique to Austria: Gemischter Satz (field blend wine of Vienna).

-Sturm- Sturm is a uniquely Austrian drink. It’s a fermented grape juice (basically a very young wine). It’s only available for about a month every fall, and it tastes a bit like a cross between a wine and cider- sweet, light, and low in alcohol content. Most of the wineries and bars we went to had sturm as an offering. We also got a kick out of this since we have a couple of friend with the last name Sturm- Dan started taking photos of every Sturm sign we saw and amassed quite the collection!

-Ammutson Craft Beer Dive- We went here on the first night (we did a great job of overcoming our jet lag!). They had some great craft beers, including sours (my new favorite), and we met a few expats. One guy had grown up in a suburb near Elk Grove and now lives in Israel, and another girl was from the Minneapolis area and had married an Austrian man.

-Steigl- Dan, Dad. Warren. and I went to the Steigl brewery in Salzburg while the girls were doing their Sound of Music tour. Steigl is pretty widely distributed so we had tried it in the past. I enjoyed their radler (fruit + beer).

People

-Mom, Dad, Kerri, and Warren- This was our first time traveling internationally with my parents or Kerri and Warren, and we had a blast! My parents adapted quite well, although some things were a challenge throughout the trip (they could not get used to not having a top sheet). We had lots of laughs, did tons of walking, and now have lots of great memories from the trip.

Observations and Insights

-My dad was in heaven with German food. He could eat sausages, sour kraut, and schnitzel all day, every day.

Look at that smile!

-We were all craving a salad by the time we got back to the U.S. Other than potatoes, we didn’t have any fruit and vegetables the entire week we were in Austria and Germany.

-Sausages are very different place to place (my dad was disappointed by the small ones at many of the restaurants we went to).

-Twin beds- Europeans love their twin beds. Every place we stayed had one “master” bedroom with a bigger bed for two and then a couple other rooms with two twin beds. Sometimes the twin beds were pushed together to make one bed, sometimes not. Observe below.

-No AC- Not a major issue at the time of year we were visiting, although the rooms were a bit stuffy at night. Could be more of a problem if you visit in the summer.

-Lots of family time allows some time for silliness. Observe below- Warren decided to roll down the hill at Schloss Schoenbrunn.

Tips

-Almost everyone speaks English so Austria was a very easy country to get around.

-The weather was pretty great when we were there. Dan and I strongly recommend considering travel during “shoulder season” (the time just before and after the big tourist seasons). By traveling during spring or fall, you can experience decent weather with less tourists and better prices.

-If you’re planning to visit Vienna and also go to Oktoberfest, be cognizant of prices being higher by virtue of this big annual tourist draw. Book plenty in advance if you want to stay in a decent place!

-Trains are a simple and fun way to get around in between cities (and countries) in Europe. Doing three cities in 8 days was pretty manageable since we were able to get from city to city within a few hours by train.

#vienna #salzburg #austria

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richardarnold7162-blog · 6 years

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Things To Do In Berchtesgaden

Visit Hitler’s Eagles Nest

This is one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Berchtesgaden. It is 3000 feet above the floor of the valley. A bus connects you from Nazi documentation centre to the mountain road. You will user a long tunnel from the entrance to arrive to the chalet. Its interior is beautifully decorated and has a fire place. Hike for more 300 feet before you reach the mountain cross peak. Enjoy yourself and make the tour memorable by taking photos. Cement platforms from the guns that protected this chalet from air attacks are found here.

King’s Lake visit

Alpine mountains line this lake. Visit this deepest lake in Germany. It is surrounded by Jenner, Hagen and Watzmann beautiful mountains. Hop into an electric passenger ferry and move past waterfalls and mountains through this amazing lake. Taste fish delicacies served here in the nearby restaurants. As you continue you will come across a white church of St. Bartholoma. It has domes painted red. Above the church discover ice chapel and Obersee, where there is a large waterfall.

Tour a Salt Mine.

This old salt mine was opened in 1517. Open your other chapter by visiting this stunning place. Know how salt is mined, and also visit an amazing underground lake. Enjoy too sliding down the wooden miner slides that are 120 feet long. Visit this mine any time of the year.

Berchtesgaden’s Festival

Enjoy the Oktoberfest and May Day Berchtesgaden’s fun and amazing festivals. During the Christmas, you will enjoy Krampus. Watch Buttmandls men with demon masks and straw suits running up and down the town to scare away winter solstice darkness and bring spring.

Berchtesgaden National Park

This beautiful 210 square kilometers park offers the best hike in this land. Hike from St. Bartholoma to Watzmann Ostwand or from southern end of the Konigssee to Obersee.

Braustuberl Beer Hall

The most fun dinning and drinking experiences are found here. Grab beer and a plate of traditional dishes and relax as you watch or join sing along to live music. It becomes interesting fully on Fridays when men dance as they; thigh snap, heel whack and whip snap. Décor on the wall of the hall are super amazing.

Sommerrdelbahn Slide

Family fan awaits you here. The 2000 feet metal Luge slides you down and up again at the mountain. It has so much fun that you will like to do a lot of trips.

For More Information About Berchtesgaden

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welovevultures-blog · 7 years

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Day 5, 6 and 7 (goodbye Mokala, hello Dronfield)

So we finished off our time at Mokala, ringing/tagging a total number of 74 White Backed Vulture Chicks. That is a pretty impressive number in my opinion. I think we have done a great job.

Along the way, we have encountered some amazing, heartbreaking and beautiful things at Mokala National Park, including watching a Martial Eagle cast a pellet, and then as soon as she left, a Hornbill came in and stole the pellet, obviously wanting to use it for nesting material.

Even though we are here for the vultures, the wildlife and nature in Africa is absolutely incredible and I have to thank Mokala National Park for showing just how beautiful life outside of England is.

Now, we move on to Dronfield nature reserve, and we have picked up a new team member. We now have Shelly, she works with Graham at Gauntlet Birds of Prey, and is only joining us for the 3 days we’re at Dronfield and is then moving on to do some work with Kerry Wolter and Vulpro, a place that is dedicated to saving and rescuing sick and injured vultures, no matter the time of day/night.

Shelly is lovely, and its great to add another girl to the team, and thank fully, we all get on like a house on fire. Its great.

Arriving at Dronfield was awesome, unfortunately about a month before our trip began, there was a massive bush fire, and a 1/3 of the reserve had been burnt to a crisp. But, the wild is resilient, and where the fire had destroyed so much, new, fresh, green life was beginning to spring up from the ashes, making Dronfield look young and beautiful.

The atmosphere and lay out here is a lot different to Mokala, it is so much more wild, and though you can see Kimberly from the reserve, you are also so much closer to nature. The animals are everywhere, including moving around our chalets, which does mean you have to be rather careful when moving around on your own. It does also mean that we pretty much have free reign, and no curfew, so (as is tradition), on the first night at Dronfield nature reserve, we all went up to Picardilly Ridge, and had a sun downers, which a few ciders, crisps, billtong, crackers and muscles.. (yes, like muscles from the sea, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, crackers and muscles is now a staple part of my snacking regime). The view from the ridge was soul achingly stunning, you can see everything, including the city, with the sun going down directly in front of us, and when it had finally gone away, the lights of the city switch on, looking like tiny stars from afar.

Today has been a fantastic day. Bring on tomorrow!

#wildlife #conservation #vultures #WELOVEVULTURES

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wickenbymuseum · 7 years

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25 April 1945 30 on ops to Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" at Berchtesgaden, part of a force of 359 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitoes. Crew briefing 0245 hrs, take-off commenced 0453 hrs, bomb load 8750 lbs. Moderate accurately predicted heavy flak and some light flak, no enemy fighters fighters. Hits on the chalet, SS barracks, Spagn's Residence, main control centre and action headquarters. All returned safely to base, Bomber Command loss rate 0.53%.Lancaster ME758 PH-N today completed 106 successful operations against the enemy in the service of "B" Flight, 12 Squadron, dropping more than 1000000 lbs of bombs. For this outstanding achievement in the history of 12 squadron "Nan" was presented with a token DSO and DFC.

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logi1974 · 4 years

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#klein-aus vista #Eagles Nest #eagles nest chalets #Namibia #Afrika #africa

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newstwitter-blog · 7 years

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New Post has been published on News Twitter

New Post has been published on http://www.news-twitter.com/2017/01/31/cnn-9-of-the-best-luxury-ski-chalets-in-europe-34/

CNN: 9 of the best luxury ski chalets in Europe

In the world of top-notch ski chalets, five-star opulence is just the starting point.

Bespoke, boutique and beautiful are the bottom line, plus the best materials, award-winning design and so many toys and extras that the slopes outside are in danger of becoming an afterthought.

The service, too, must be beyond impeccable; these ski resorts are places where nothing is too much trouble.

Here are nine of the best mountain masterpieces in the Alps.

Chalet Eden Rock, St Anton (Austria)

This other Eden in the hamlet of Nasserein is the jewel in St Anton’s chalet crown.

It rocks a traditional exterior with a sleek, stylish interior, and can be booked as an exclusive 10-room chalet or split up into three smaller private chalets.

Designed by an award-winning architect, its spacious wood and stone-clad entertaining spaces offer open fireplaces, cozy dining areas, plentiful balconies and indulgent en suite bedrooms.

For those with energy left after a day skiing or snowboarding around the vast Arlberg area, there is a gym, swimming pool with jet stream, sauna and steam room.

Seven nights exclusive use of the property from about $44,770 with Kaluma Travel.

MORE: These ski resorts are Europe’s best-kept secrets

Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel (France)

Situated in Courchevel’s billionaire’s row alongside the Bellecote piste, Chalet Edelweiss is a standout bloom among a glittering crop.

In this domain favored by Russian oligarchs, sporting mega stars and industry magnates, bling is the thing.

Edelweiss covers 3,000 square meters of luxury living space for 16 people, with the master suite, including a private sitting room, occupying the entire top floor of the six-story chalet.

For those with Saturday night fever, there’s a full-on nightclub featuring DJ booth, dance floor and bar for 100 guests.

There’s also a cinema, swimming pool and spa, gym and massage rooms in case the world’s largest ski area just outside the window isn’t enough to keep you amused.

From $14,700 per person for seven nights through Alpine Answers.

Art Chalet, Courchevel (France)

Another Bellecote blockbuster, this flamboyant fancy is an homage to art, contemporary design and bespoke fittings.

Seven levels pack in all the standard luxury trappings — nightclub, casino, cinema, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, spa, gym, games room and fully toyed-up children’s playroom.

Sleek glass elevators, Japanese toilets and a piano add to the over-the-top opulence.

The 2,200-square-meter Art Chalet sleeps 16 in eight en suite bedrooms and offers ski-in/ski-out luxury just minutes from the center of Courchevel. Although, of course, a private chauffeur is on hand to bring back the booty from those world-class shopping sorties.

From about $172,000 for seven nights with Green to Black.

MORE: The world’s most beautiful ski lodges

Chalet Husky, Val d’Isere (France)

Chalet Husky more than pulls its weight among Val d’Isere’s luxury pack of properties.

Its spectacular contemporary design incorporates a vast open-plan living space, with bar and dining area at one end and sofa-surrounded open fireplace at the other, linked by a glass walkway over an indoor atrium garden.

A climbing wall, archery facility and rifle range augment the usual set of toys, alongside a wellness area with spacious rainbow-lit swimming pool and infinity waterfall.

The 611-square-meter chalet sleeps 14 in seven en suite bedrooms.

From about $2,300 per person to about $7,700 for a week through Ski Scott Dunn.

Chalet N, Lech (Austria)

The bulletproof glass offers a hint at the caliber of guests staying here and it’s easy to see why the A list chooses Chalet N.

Rock royalty Tina Turner is reputed to be a fan.

Set on the car-free plateau of Oberlech above the elegant village of Lech in Austria’s Arlberg, this commanding castle blends traditional alpine styling with high-end interior design.

The 10 sumptuous suites sleep 18-22 while the penthouse master features a dressing room, living room, fireplace and children’s suite with four bunk beds.

A swimming pool with mood lighting, plus a gym, saunas, salt-cave steam bath and ice fountain make up the wellness offering, while a hair salon can provide that last-minute go-faster trim.

The arresting design of the wine cellar makes every trip for fresh supplies an experience in itself.

From about $220,000 per week with Leo Trippi.

MORE: Ski destinations where the food is as good as the snow

Chalet Zermatt Peak, Zermatt (Switzerland)

There’s the standard, run-of-the mill luxury — and then there’s Chalet Zermatt Peak.

If jaws haven’t already dropped at the floor-to-ceiling views of the Matterhorn from the living area, they will at the walnut floors, marble and stone-clad walls and sumptuous furnishings of the interior.

This is the stuff of the movies — the entrance tunnel hewn into the rock is reminiscent of a Bond villain’s lair. A floating walnut, steel and glass staircase and a lift access five more levels of Swiss swank.

There are five lavish bedroom suites, while the master has its own Jacuzzi and the top-floor gallery bedroom has a glass roof to take in the peaks and the stars from bed.

An indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi is the centerpiece of the indulgent spa area.

From about $53,000 Swiss Franc to $178,000 for a week with Alpine Guru.

Chalet Eagle’s Nest, Val d’Isere (France)

From its rock-hewn eyrie above Val d’Isere, Eagle’s Nest has shaken things up from the start.

This Tarentaise treasure offered the first swimming pool in a private chalet in 2002, and has since undergone a number of tweaks to raise the bar, including the recent addition of a cantilevered deck with hot tub.

Featuring vast living spaces with crackling log fires, indoor swimming pool with jet stream and an integrated entertainment system, the list of luxury features is longer than the nearby La Face black run, the venue for the men’s downhill at the 1992 Winter Olympics.

From about $2,000 per person per week in low season with Ski Scott Dunn.

Chalet Mont Tremblant, Meribel (France)

Standing out isn’t easy in this market but Mont Tremblant managed it and was voted Best Luxury Ski Chalet in France at the 2016 World Ski Awards.

The double height lounge gives vast views over the Meribel Valley, and the open fireplace and separate snug provide a place to hunker down in the evening.

Mont Tremblant sleeps 12 with a stunning master suite across the first floor and five further en suite bedrooms, all with gas fireplaces.

A heated outdoor infinity swimming pool and hot tub, plus a hammam and massage rooms can soothe tired limbs before a chill-out session in the in-house cinema.

There’s also a games room with pool table and children’s playroom. A separate office provides a haven for those who can’t let go of the grind.

From about $27,800 per week in low season with Consensio Chalets.

MORE: 10 most beautiful Alpine ski resorts

Chalet Sirocco, Verbier (Switzlerand)

This Swiss stunner was voted World’s Best New Ski Chalet in the 2015 World Ski Awards and for good reason.

Crisp, cozy yet cavernous, it sleeps eight over four floors with a vast open plan living area and impressive wellness area featuring pool with waterfall, sauna, hammam and massage room.

Sirocco occupies a commanding position above Verbier with far-reaching views towards the towering peaks of the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc massif.

From $43,100 per week in low season with Bramble Ski.

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kylietanie1-blog · 7 years

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BBC Two show The World's Most Extraordinary Homes visits house built from a Boeing 747

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Homes perched on mountains thousands of feet above sea level are typically the sole preserve of wild animals.

But the owner of a jaw-dropping Alpine chalet featured in a new series exploring The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes enjoys views to rival those of any eagle’s nest.

As well as the clifftop chalet – which is accessible only by cable car – the BBC Two show visits a California home…

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logi1974 · 6 years

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Namibia/Südafrika 2017/18 - Teil 17

Mittwoch, 27. Dezember 2017,

Herrschaften und Oukies!

Heute Morgen waren wir bereits um 9 schon wieder auf der Piste.

Während ich das Frühstück zubereitete, packte der Monsieur le Chauffeur den Hilux. Der Rest unserer Lebensmittel kam in die beiden Kühlboxen.

Zunächst fuhren wir auf gut ausgebauter Teerstraße von Karasburg nach Grünau. Von Grünau ging es dann wieder auf den bekannten Schotterpisten in Richtung des Fish River Canyons.

Da wir den Canyon bereits im Jahre 2014 ausführlich von allen Seiten besichtigt hatten, verzichteten wir auf einen Besuch und querten nur den Gondwana Canyon Park.

In der Naute Kristall Kellerei, einem Ableger der Kristall Kellerei von Omaruru, wollten wir unsere Vorräte an Wein und Grappa auffüllen. So war der Plan....

Trotz gegenteiliger Auskunft war dort leider geschlossen. So werden unsere Vorräte des Matisa-Grappas zu Hause nur noch in homöopathischen Dosen ausgegeben, denn Omaruru und der Stammsitz des Unternehmens steht in diesem Jahr nicht auf unser Reiseroute.

Da nächste Ziel, das wir ansteuerten, war der Naute-Damm. Dort sind wir beim letzten Mal leider nur vorbei gefahren. Heute nahmen wir uns die Zeit und fuhren bis ganz hinauf. Oben sind tolle Picknick-Plätze angelegt und es gibt den obligatorischen Braai-Plaas (Grillplatz).

Dann ging es weiter auf der C 12 in Richtung Norden bis zur asphaltierten B 4, dort fuhren wir nach wenigen Kilometern wieder ab.

Nächster Programmpunkt war das legendäre Seeheim-Hotel, dass wir letztes Mal ebenfalls, bedingt durch eine Umleitung wegen Straßenbauarbeiten, auslassen mussten.

Unten am meist trockenen Fisch-Fluß liegt, wie eine Trutzburg gebaut, diese Unterkunft, die natürlich ebenfalls ursprünglich von den deutschen Schutztruppen gebaut wurde.

Der Ort war mal ein echter Verkehrsknotenpunkt, denn hier führte die Bahnlinie von Keetmanhoop nach Lüderitz vorbei und auch die Anschluß-Strecke nach Südafrika startete hier.

Es gab nicht nur einen Bahnhof, sowie 2 Hotels, sondern auch Geschäfte eine Bank und sogar ein Bordell. Kurzum, Seeheim war sozusagen eine Stadt von Welt.

Alles was davon noch übrig geblieben ist, ist das heutige Seeheim-Hotel - und selbst das liegt auch noch abseits der heutigen B 4, der Verbindungsstraße von Keetmanshoop nach Lüderitz.

Wenn man es nicht weiß, niemals käme man auf die Idee hier nach einem Hotel zu suchen. Hoch oben, von der Randstufe, schraubt sich die Piste nach unten.

Als erstes sieht man einen Turm und dann erscheint nach und nach das ganze burgähnliche Anwesen.

Karte und GPS verzeichnen beide eine Tankstelle in Seeheim. Und richtig: es gibt tatsächlich eine Stelle zum Tanken.

Von der Terrasse des Hotels konnte ich 2 miteinander verbundene Fässer auf einem Gestell ausmachen. Daran montiert ist ein Schlauch mit Zapfhahn.

Daneben ist auf einem Granitstein eine Zapfsäule gemalt und darüber steht Diesel. Also, eine Stelle zum Diesel tanken! Nicht mehr und nicht weniger!

Vom trockenen Flußbett des Fish Rivers trottete ein Jungbulle herauf und marschierte einmal quer über den Hotelparkplatz nach Hause, Richtung seines Stalls.

Wir nahmen hier unseren Mittagsimbiss zu uns. Als der Monsieur le Chauffeur zum zahlen ins Haus ging....

.... packte die Bedienung hier auch gleich die Gelegenheit beim Schopfe und fragte nach einer Mitfahrgelegenheit nach Germany.

Wir fuhren jetzt unten am Fish River entlang zurück zur B 4, der wir weiter in Richtung Westen folgten.

Die Fahrt führt über Goageb und ist recht eintönig, bis Aus waren wir mal wieder froh über unsere mitgebrachte Musik im Auto.

Von Seeheim bis Aus sind es noch etliche Kilometer, für die wir gut 2 Stunden brauchten.

Am frühen Nachmittag kamen wir dann im kleinen Ort Aus an, der ein wichtiger Verkehrsknotenpunkt in der Region ist.

Hier trifft die M 118/C 13 von Rosh Pina im Süden auf die B 4, die westlich nach Lüderitz und östlich nach Keetmanshoop führt. Die M 35/C 13 führt weiter nach Helmeringhausen und Maltahöhe im Norden.

An der Tankstelle herrschte gerade großes Gedränge durch mehrere Touristen mit 4x4 Fahrzeugen.

Uns lockte jedoch mehr die Terrasse vom Bahnhof Hotel, wo man wunderschön sitzen und aus der umfangreichen Menükarte auswählen kann.

Hotel und Ortschaft waren uns noch aus 2014 in guter Erinnerung geblieben. Zunächst füllten wir im bestens sortierten Shop an der PUMA-Tankstelle unsere Vorräte auf.

Hier befindet sich die zentrale Schaltstelle des ganzen Ortes und darüber hinaus. Touristen-Informationen, Abschleppunternehmen, Car-Wash, Shop, Bankfiliale, Camping, Zimmer usw. usw. befinden sich hier, unter einem Dach.

Zur Kaffeezeit kehrten wir wieder im Bahnhof-Hotel ein. Wir wussten, dass es hier selbstgemachte Kuchen gibt - und Internet.

Und so saßen, kaum verwunderlich, eine halbe Legion an Touristen aus aller Herren Länder hier beisammen und versuchten sich einzuloggen.

Unser Tagesziel war anschließend schnell erreicht, denn dazu mussten wir nur noch einmal quer durch den Ort fahren und hinten an der Kirche wieder raus - ohne noch einmal auf die B 4 zurück zu fahren. Gut, wenn man sich auskennt.

Klein Aus Vista liegt direkt am Eingang des Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, nur 2 Kilometer westlich von Aus. Von hier aus sind viele Hauptattraktionen der Region recht gut zu erreichen.

Die “wilden” Pferde der Namib bei Garub und der Kameldornbaumwald am Koichab Rivier.

Die ehemalige Diamantensiedlung Kolmanskoppe ist nach etwa 100 Kilometern Fahrt auf Asphaltstrasse erreicht und der Hafenort Lüderitz nach rund 120 Kilometern.

Da wir Lüderitz bereits 2014 besucht hatten, wollen wir hier in Klein Aus Vista unseren schönen Bungalow und die wundervolle Umgebung 2 Tage ganz in Ruhe genießen.

Gäste des Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Parks haben die Wahl zwischen vier Unterkünften: das Desert Horse Inn, die Eagles Nest Chalets inmitten der Natur, eine Gruppenunterkunft in der Geisterschlucht für Selbstversorger und einen Campingplatz.

Nur wenige Gäste können hier in den Chalets der Eagles Nest Lodge, die zu Gondwana gehört, untergebracht werden - daher ist eine rechtzeitige Buchung unbedingt zu empfehlen.

Die Häuser sind alle sehr schön, aber von der Lage und der Ausstattung doch ein wenig unterschiedlich.

Direkt am Anfang gruppieren sich einige Hauschen im Tal. Von hier aus hat man ein bisschen weniger Aussicht in die Ebene, dafür kann man das Leben in den Felswände im Hintergrund beobachten.

"Mountain View", "The Wall" und "The Cave" liegen relativ zur Weite der Landschaft direkt nebeneinander. "The Rock" liegt sehr schön am Hang und hat eine kleine, steile Auffahrt zum Parkplatz.

Dann folgt ein Stück weiter "The Boulder", wo zwei Einheiten durch einen dicken Felsen getrennt sind.

"Desert Vista" ist das nächste Chalet in 100 Meter Entfernung, hier fährt dann glücklicherweise nur noch einer vorbei: der Bewohner vom "Eagles View", dem neusten und größten Haus in der Sammlung.

Von allen Häusern hat man einen großartigen Blick auf die endlosen Weiten der Namibwüste und besonders zum Sonnenuntergang kann man hier sitzen und sich die wunderbaren Farben der Landschaft mit einem Sundowner in der Hand ansehen.

Jedes der Chalets wurde aus Naturstein rund um einen mächtigen Granitfels erbaut. Von der Terrasse hat man einen wirklich atemberaubenden Blick auf den Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park in absoluter Ruhe und Stille.

Es gibt einen Grill (Braai) und direkt am Haus einen Parkplatz.

Wir bezogen das Chalet namens Desert Vista, fast am Ende des Weges. Es liegt auch recht entfernt zum nächsten Nachbarn. Im Hintergrund erhebt sich eine steile Felswand, in der allerlei Tiere leben.

Wenn man am Tag dort sitzt und beobachtet, dann bekommt man einige Besucher.

Direkt vor dem Chalet befindet sich eine kleine Schale mit Wasser, von der vor allem Vögel und Insekten angezogen werden, die sich so gut beobachten lassen.

Das Zimmer ist sehr großzügig, auf mehreren Ebenen angelegt. Die Rahmen der Türen und Fenster sind aus den alte Eisenbahnschwellen, auf denen noch "Krupp 1906" steht, gefertigt.

Ein riesiger Felsblock bildet die hintere Wand des Raumes, davor stehen die Betten mit Aussicht auf die Ebene.

Es gibt eine Küche mit Kühlschrank (Minibar) und Spüle, einen Esstisch, der komplett für 2 Personen gedeckt war, und eine Sitzecke mit offenem Kamin.

Mit einer halbhohen Mauer ist dieser Teil vom Schlafbereich abgetrennt, in einem abgestorbenen Köcherbaum warten ein paar Rotweinflaschen auf Verkostung.

Es gibt viel Platz für die Koffer, einen Schrank und einen Schreibtisch. Alles wird mit Solarenergie betrieben - Kamera, Handy und Laptop lassen sich aber aufladen.

Recht herzlichen Dank für die Aufmerksamkeit und lekker Slaap!

Angie und der Monsieur le Chauffeur & der Hasenbär

#namibia #karasburg #sunset chalets #grünau #fish river canyon #gondwana canyon park #naute kristall kellerei #naute damm #seeheim #seeheim hotel #aus #bahnhof hotel #klein aus vista #gondwana sperrgebiet rand park #eagles nest chalets #geisterschlucht

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logi1974 · 6 years

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Namibia/Südafrika 2017/18 - Teil 18

Donnerstag, 28. Dezember 2017,

Herrschaften und Oukies!

Heute gab es für uns kein großartiges Programm, denn ursprünglich wollten wir eine halbtägig geführte Tour in den Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park machen. Doch leider wurde diese Tour nicht durchgeführt, was natürlich sehr schade ist.

Der Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park ist 51.000 ha groß und liegt zwei Kilometer westlich von Aus entlang des Randes des Diamanten-Sperrgebiets.

Die Hauptattraktionen sind die wilden Pferde der Namib, der Dünengürtel und der Kameldornbaumwald des Koichab Riviers.

Die Flora und Fauna der Region ist überraschend vielfältig, rund um Aus gibt es mehr als 400 bekannte Pflanzenarten und viele davon sind endemisch. Besonders interessant ist die "Buschmannskerze", ein stacheliges Gewächs, das, wenn man es anzündet einen Weihrauch Geruch verströmt.

Durch den Wegfall der geplanten Tour, ließen wir es heute langsam in unserem Chalet angehen und fuhren erst um kurz vor 9 Uhr die 7 Kilometer zum Haupthaus, zum Frühstück.

Das Frühstück nimmt man im Restaurant des Desert Horse Inn ein, jedenfalls fahren die meisten Gäste am frühen Morgen dort hin. Für jede Unterkunft ist ein Tisch eingedeckt und mit einem entsprechenden Schildchen versehen.

Hier befinden sich eine Bar und die Rezeption bedient auch die Gäste für die weiter entfernten Unterkünfte der Eagles Nest Chalets.

Die Gäste, die in diesen abgelegenen Häuschen auf der anderen Seite des Berges Quartier bezogen haben, können alle Einrichtungen des Desert Horse Inn mitbenutzen, müssen dafür aber eine Anfahrt von etwa einer Viertelstunde in Kauf nehmen.

Es gibt auf dem Gebiet von Klein Aus Vista sehr unterschiedliche Unterkünfte: Das Desert Horse Inn bietet um die 30 Doppelzimmer in kleinen Doppelhäusern vor dem Haupthaus und wird hauptsächlich von Gruppen gebucht.

Vor der Rezeption findet man einen gepflegten Garten mit wunderschönen Bäumen, in dem sich zahlreiche Tiere wie Vögel oder Echsen gut beobachten lassen. Im Gebäude hängen historische Aufnahmen aus der spannenden Vergangenheit der Region.

Entsprechend dem Namen gibt es viele Bilder von den wilden Pferden, die heute noch im benachbarten Garub leben.

Von der Rezeption des Desert Horse Inn fährt man dann die Viertelstunde auf einer Sandpiste bis zum Eagles Nest und ist in einer anderen Welt mit weitem Ausblick, Ruhe und Einsamkeit.

Die Fahrt ist landschaftlich sehr schön und mit ein wenig Glück kann man unterwegs schon Tiere sehen wie Strauße oder Oryx-Antilopen.

Eine Abzweigung führt zur Geisterschlucht, dort befindet sich eine weitere Unterkunft mit Selbst-Verpflegung.

Zwei Schlafräume mit je 12 Betten gibt es dort, eigenem Bad, Wohnbereich, Kochnische und riesen Grillplatz mit Tischen und Bänken unter alten Kameldornbäumen.

Besonders fotogen ist, neben der Landschaft, das alte rostige Auto am Wegrand zur Geisterschlucht.

Das Abendessen hatten wir gestern Abend jedoch nicht im Haupthaus eingenommen. Wir hatten schon vorab erfahren, dass man hier auch ein Braai-Paket bekommt, welches man zum Haus mitnehmen kann. Ein Grillpaket für das Abendessen oder auch ein Frühstückspaket.

Dieser Umstand ist an der Rezeption anscheinend so selbstverständlich, dass uns niemand darauf hingewiesen hat. Als wir danach fragten, bekamen wir aber umgehend einen entsprechenden Bestellzetten ausgehändigt.

Den füllten wir aus und gaben eine Abholzeit an. Gegen 19 Uhr fuhr dann der Monsieur le Chauffeur los und holte die Bestellung ab. Er kam zurück mit einem frisch zubereiteten, großen Korb mit allerlei Leckereien.

Wenn man schon ein so schönes Haus in der Einsamkeit hat, warum sollte man sich am Abend in ein enges Restaurant mit Reisegruppen setzen? Das kam für uns gar nicht in Frage und wir genossen unser Essen auf der Terrasse des Chalets.

Durch unser spätes Frühstück bedingt, waren die meisten Gäste schon unterwegs zu den verschiedenen Attraktionen der Region.

Man kann die Ruinen des Gefangenenlagers aus dem ersten Weltkrieg und den historischen Friedhof besichtigen.

Westlich von Aus beginnen die Dünen der Namib, hier gibt es weite Ebenen und viel Sand. Rechts der Straße beginnt der Namib-Naukluft-Nationalpark und links der Straße das Diamentensperrgebiet, dort darf man auf keinen Fall die Straße verlassen.

Nach 20 Kilometern erreicht man Garub, ab dem Jahr 1906 eine kleine Bahnstation an der Eisenbahnlinie von Aus nach Lüderitz.

Das kleine Bahnhäuschen steht noch und auch der alte Wasserturm der deutschen Reichsbahn.

Früher haben die Dampflokomotiven hier Wasser aufgefüllt, dafür wurde extra einige Kilometer nordwärts in der Ebene ein Brunnen gebohrt.

Die Eisenbahnstrecke wird zur Zeit nicht befahren, soll aber wieder aktiviert werden - was aber eine langwierig afrikanische Angelegenheit ist. Auf etliche Kilometer liegen die neuen Betonschwellen schon seit Jahren am Bahndamm herum.

Wenn man die Stichstrasse zu dem alten Bohrloch hinaus fährt, kann man unter einem Schattendach vor der prallen Sonne geschützt die Hauptattraktion der Region beobachten: die berühmten wilden Pferde, die sich seit rund 100 Jahren an die extremen Lebensbedingungen in der Wüste angepasst haben.

Die Tiere kommen regelmäßig zum Bohrloch, an dem einst die Dampfloks der nahen Eisenbahnlinie versorgt wurden, zum Trinken und konnten so überleben. Die Bergkette "Dikke Willem" ragt aus jener Ebene, welche die Wilden Pferde der Namib beheimatet.

Die Zahl der Tiere schwankt nach längjährigen Zählungen stark zwischen 89 und 280, die erste offizielle Zählung erfolgte im Jahr 1985. Vor allem während der Dürreperioden 1991/92 und 1998/99 war die Sterblichkeit extrem hoch.

Farmer mit Transportmöglichkeit durften Pferde einfangen und auf ihr Land transportieren.

Nach langen Jahren der Dürre kämpfen die Tiere aktuell wieder stark um ihr Überleben - und wie es aussieht, schaffen sie es dieses Mal nicht aus eigener Kraft.

Piet Swiegers, der Eigentümer unser Unterkunft, nahm sich heute Morgen Zeit für ein Schwätzchen mit uns und erklärte die Situation. Waren es bei unserem letzten Besuch noch um die 200 Tiere, so sind es aktuell keine 80 mehr. Dafür steigt die Population der Hyänen rasant, für die die Pferde eine leichte Beute sind.

Oft gesehene Bilder von kämpfenden Hengsten mit fliegenden Mähnen im Sonnenuntergang gehören der Vergangenheit an. Sehr schöne Fotos findet man in den Räumlichkeiten des Desert Horse Inn in Klein Aus Vista.

Da die Halbtagestour nicht statt fand, buchten wir die heutige Sundowner-Fahrt. In einem extra langen Landcruiser wurden wir am vereinbarten Treffpunkt, der Kameldornbaum an der Weggabelung, abgeholt.

Von dort fuhren wir mit der ganzen Gesellschaft, die aus einem Paar aus London und einer deutsch-südafrikanischen Familie bestand, noch einmal zu unserem Chalet hinauf, denn an der Rezeption hatte jemand mitgedacht und unsere heutige Braai-Bestellung sofort dem Fahrer mitgegeben.

Dabei hat man die Wahl zwischen Oryx, Rind oder Huhn und natürlich die allgegenwärtige Boerewors.

Am ersten Abend hatten wir Oryx und am zweiten dann Rindfleisch. Beides war sehr lecker und wurde vom Monsieur le Chauffeur auf dem Grill prima zubereitet.

Dazu fanden wir in dem Korb noch einen großen Teller mit einer "Kalten Platte" dazu einen griechischen Salat mit Schafkäse, einen Beutel Dressing, Grillgewürz und zwei dicke Kartoffeln in Alufolie mit Kräuterbutter.

Die kalte Platte von gestern hatten wir in unserem Kühlschrank aufbewahrt und das war dann unser heutiger Mittagsimbiss. Dazu gab es 2 Gläser Tiramisu als Nachtisch.

Auf den Nachtisch haben wir heute aber verzichtet, weil es einfach viel zu viel ist. Einen Teil der heutigen Lieferung haben wir schon für morgen Kühlbox tauglich, für den Transport, verpackt.

Auf keinen Fall hätten wir mit einem Restaurantbesuch tauschen wollen und haben uns sehr gewundert, als am Abend unsere Nachbarn wegfuhren und nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit wiederkamen. Wahrscheinlich hatte man sie auf diese Möglichkeit gar nicht hingewiesen.

Piet, der Chef, fragte uns heute Morgen nur, ob alles zu unserer Zufriedenheit wäre. Wie sich im weiteren Verlauf des Gespräches heraus stellte, musste er letzte Nacht wohl noch einmal zu den Chalets ausrücken.

Bei Gästen, die weiter unten wohnten, hat sich wohl ein Skorpion im Zimmer befunden. Wir hatten uns nur über die Autolichter am späten Abend auf der Piste, unten im Tal, gewundert.

Da ist er dann persönlich zur Skorpionjagd gekommen, denn die Gästen hatten sich geweigert die Räume noch einmal zu betreten und wollten ein Zimmer im Haupthaus haben. Das war jedoch nicht zu realisieren, da die Unterkünfte alle komplett ausgebucht sind.

Es ist schon schwierig, wenn die Gäste Natur buchen - und dann tatsächlich Natur bekommen, ist es auch wieder nicht richtig.

Morgen geht es für uns weiter in die Tiras Berge, an die D 707. Diese Strecke gehört zu den Traumstraßen Afrikas.

Recht herzlichen Dank für die Aufmerksamkeit und lekker Slaap!

Angie und der Monsieur le Chauffeur & der Hasenbär

#namibia #aus #klein aus vista #desert horse inn #eagles nest #garub

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