The invisible mountain

Today was our last day in Salzburg. We set out on the city bus to a Untersberg so that we could ride their cable car to the top of the peak. This is rumored to provide stellar views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately, the rain that had been promised for days had rolled in and although no drops had fallen in the morning, the sky was dark with clouds. We went up on the cable car and at about the halfway point we entered a cloud. Mark the optimist was pretty sure we'd come out above the clouds and that he could see the sun trying to break through.

I, however, knew the truth.  When we first got out of the cable car at the top there was a little break between clouds so that the visibility was at least 100 yards or so but it quickly closed up and began raining. Meanwhile we had begun to hike up the trail to see what we could see. Because, hey, we weren't going to pass up a chance to actually hike in the Alps, because how often do you ever get to do that?

There was a grave of a German airman, and a monument to all the German soldiers of WW I and II.  There was even a memorial for an American pilot who died in 2013 - Bill Estes. A little googling revealed that he was a retired pilot living in Salzburg who's ashes were scattered there. We turned around before reaching the summit cross on since visibility was again reduced and it had begun to rain. By the time we reached the shelter again, we were a little more than damp. There were tiny patches of meadow, and I did finally twirl in an Alpine meadow. Although calling it a meadow is a bit of a stretch.

Strolling through Salzburg with umbrellas and tour groups (Japanese, American, college students, and high school students) was even more terrifying than usual. At one point we began to cross the street and nearly got carried backward by umbrella bearing tourists looking anywhere but foward. It was kinda funny except that umbrellas have 8 different ways to poke your eye out.

We went to a section of old town today where the shops are among the oldest and most original. Throughout Salzburg the shop and hotel signs are old style - hanging off the side of the building. In this area, however, the signs are more older and often have an image of the service offered instead of just the words. Early branding at it's best! Hope you enjoy them. I'll just put in a few here - the rest will be on facebook where it's easier to upload.