Der Taubenstein

The Taubenstein is a constant, here. It looms over us like a friendly giant. I can see it out of my bedroom window, but sometimes it disappears as we often seem to be living inside a cloud.  So far, I've climbed it twice - the first time on an overcast day, the second time at sunset on a beautiful day.

The colour changes frequently in the evenings. Sometimes grey

Sometimes yellow

Sometimes pink

And during the 15 minute walk up the Alm, it's there

Looking gorgeous in the sunshine

The peak is on the left, yet to be conquered

The final ascent, where there's a chain to aid climbers

And people on all the peaks, taking photos

It's nice just sitting and looking

There's Obere Maxlraineralm, 150 metres below

The Bergstation of the Taubensteinbahn (gondola), looking towards the Raukopf

The second time, I set off around 6.30pm. It's about a half hour walk to the peak if one doesn't stop, but there are always things to stop for - birds, wildflowers, views, breath.

Climbing near sunset and the colours are different

The rays of the setting sun provide an eerie ambience

The only person in the whole, wide world...

The Taubenstein sign on the cross - 1693 metres 

The layers of mountains fade into one another...

And I have to come down before it gets dark and I miss my footing. Beautiful.