We woke up at 4:15 AM (Sonntag = Sunday) to see the sunrise atop the Sonnstein–a mountain along the Traunsee just above Traunkirchen. As we left our house at 4:45 AM, the sky was already blanketed with orange and pink streaks. We began hiking at 5 AM–just moments before sunrise. The hike was only an hour and 15 minutes, but the entire ascent was uphill, which made for a fairly strenuous hike. We finally reached the summit cross around 6:15 AM and joined about 12 other early bird hikers. Everyone sitting quietly, fueling up and admiring the beautiful panoramic views this mountain offered. 

Most mountains in the alps have summit crosses and they have traditionally housed a “summit book“. This is the name given to a blank book placed in a container in the cross for climbers to write down their name and any other comments they wish upon reaching the summit. We have signed three books thus far. Two during Klettersteig climbing and then this morning on the Sonnstein.

It has been extra hot this week and European homes traditionally do not have air conditioning. So, if you want to enjoy the outdoors you have to go out early or late.

Other notable events from this week: 
1. We finished our final rowing class on Thursday so we are now members of the club!

2. I got my first Covid vaccine. The EU recommended opening Austria to America by the 18th, but Austria has yet to announce it’s reopening. 41 days until my parents and sister are supposed to be on a plane to come visit us, so our fingers are crossed everything will go smoothly.

3. We got a new couch! We ordered it about 12 weeks ago and it finally arrived!

4. I bought a new camera–The Sony A7III! I had my canon for almost a decade so it was time for an upgrade.

Last but not least – Happy Father’s Day to my Dad!