We were back in the mountains today, but this time by car as we went east of Innsbruck to explore the famed Grossglockner highway, an alpine pass with phenomenal scenery and home to the highest mountain in Austria. Luckily we rented a vehicle fit for such rigorous mountaineering: the Smart car, which is as sure-footed as a mountain-goat. It was actually quite functional for a road like the Grossglockner, with many sharp turns and switch-backs winding us through t...

It seems so long since we left Alberta that we almost forgot what a strong impression the Rocky Mountains made on us. Both of us love going out for a day hike with a picnic lunch, so this morning we took a cable-car part way up the mountain and proceeded to spend the rest of the day exploring a number of different trails. Outdoor activity is so entrenched in Austrian culture that it is truly remarkable. People of all ages were out enjoying the sun on mountain-bik...

A change of country and certainly a change of scenery today as we headed north on the train to Innsbruck, Austria. After our trip to the Cinque Terre was thwarted by the flash floods in Italy, we needed to formulate a Plan B, so we decided to see Eastern Austria now while the alpine areas are accessible before winter sets in. Plan B is looking like a Plan A as Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains are absolutely gorgeous. We are very excited to explore this are...