Trek history

2003: My introduction to Alps trekking was via Catherine Gallagher, my niece and permanent Munich resident.  While visiting Italy and sending periodic emails home documenting activities, Catherine sent an email chastising me by stating that I was supposed to have notified her that I was in Europe.  One thing led to another, and we ending up meeting in northern Italy for an impromptu 3 day hike in the Dolomites Mountains.  It was such a gas that we vowed to meet the following year for another walk.

2004: Zillertal Alps in Austria was our second adventure in hiking.  It was during this 4 day trek that we met the Oli and the rest of the German hiking group.  Oli and his group were playing cards one night in a hut, making much merryment with loud laughter and table pounding.  I told Catherine that I just had to go see what they were doing.  Oli explained about the game and asked if I wanted to share a beer with them.  Knowing me, I´d never turn down such an offer!  A couple beer later they asked if I wanted to join the game - "sure," I said.  This was the start of the friendship.

A memorable situation was Oli´s conversation with me referring the German groups trying to determine the relationship between this attractive young woman hiking with this old guy.  What were they doing together, and what was their relationship.  I think there were wome hidden jealousy about the pairing until they understood it!

The group commited to exchange emails over the winter and planned to regroup the following year.

2005: It happened!  The entire group reunited at Neustift, Stubai Valley, Austria.  Unfortunately, the weather turned foul.  We stayed just one night in a hut - too much snow.  Oli invited me to return with him to stay the week with his family in Hillesheim, Germany located near the Rhine river.

2008:  Three years passed until I rejoined the group this year.