It is a 45-minute and 48 km/30 mile ride from the Bregenz train station to Au, Austria through gorgeous mountain scenery and the small villages of Bregenzerwald. People were standing by the road waiting at bus stops after the day’s hiking. Trails leading up the mountains, wild flowers, green pastures and cows with their bells clanking a catchy tune in the fresh air.

Juliana (owner) of Hotel Tannahof was waiting at the door to greet us. The Hotel is small and has a family feel to it. It doesn’t take more than a few days before the guests become “a family.” Brochures and information about the entire area everywhere in the Hotel along with a computer and free internet. We’ll go into the Au Tourist Office tomorrow to get the free Bregenzerwald guest cards that entitles anyone who stays for three nights to free bus rides, chair lifts, gondolas, entrance to swimming pools and more within the entire Bregenzerwald area that spreads for at least 160 kms/100 miles.

Shown to a spacious room with enough shelves, closet space and places for us two slobs to spread out hiking gear, abundant medical supplies (the France debacle with poor ex-Marine’s feet is still fresh in our minds), books to read and leave behind for others to enjoy, and munchies for hikes.

Juliane’s husband, Guy is the chef and has an outstanding gourmet reputation. I’m excited and primed for good food, fun and hiking.

A wonderful first dinner with a salad bar, creamy seafood mousse in a sauce with little shrimp and calamari, entree of fish on a bed of lentils surrounded by cut zucchini and carrots in the same creamy sauce and a baked apple with sherbet and spun sugar for desssert. Very good…very full…very tired…time for a good night’s sleep…

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