Week 2

Evelyn Ahnrud
June 5, 2015

Hello again from Wien! 

This past Friday my IES crew took a day trip out to the Austrian Alps in nearby town of Semmering to do a little hiking. After about a half mile of climbing directly up the side of the mountain, we finally found the trail we were supposed to be on (I blame Professor Stipsits, one of the Psychology professors here, but don't tell him I said that). 

Forest trail on a mountainside, surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Forest trail with trees and green foliage; wooden trail markers with directional signs. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Pinkenkget Schutzhaus Trail, Semmering

 

The trek was mild after that, and about an hour later we reached the peak of one of the smaller mountains in Semmering; which was enough reason to celebrate. 

Forest trail with sunlight filtering through tall trees. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Prof. S (upper left) & and his happy crew of mountain climbers

 

Even with the detour, the climb was well worth it and lead us to some of the most breathtaking views of the trip thus far. 

Forest trail with tall trees and lush greenery. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

1. Forest trail flanked by tall trees.
2. Hiking signs on a tree in the woods.
3. Group selfie on a forest path, sunny weather.
4. Scenic mountain view through trees.
5. Four hikers smiling with mountains behind. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Views from the Pinkenkget Schutzhaus Peak

 

Our day wasn't over after our rocky adventure. Part two consisted of a visit to Austria's largest cave, Hermanshole, about a 45min bus ride from Summering. Thankfully we had an actual guide lead us through the winding caverns. The cave is a geological anomaly, so if you're a big stalagmite fan you're in for a treat; I for one am not, but was still able to enjoy it none the less (Just had to be cautious of the bats)!

Stalagmites in a dimly lit cave with textured walls. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Dark cave interior with large, illuminated stalagmites and stalactites. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Stalagmites in Hermanshole

Prost! 

Silhouette of person with arms outstretched on a rock by the sea at sunset. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Evelyn Ahnrud

<p>Hello! My name is Evelyn and I am currently a sophomore at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. This summer I will be traveling to the beautiful and poetic city of Vienna, Austria. I will aim to capture the mystique and wonder of Vienna while paying tribute to all the artists who made this the city the spirt of free-thinking.</p>

Home University:
Sewanee - The University of the South
Major:
Art
Psychology
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