Austrian Hike

As we stood at the crossorad of a decision I pointed out that if we went downhill like the trail marker indicated, we would be heading way down there. Dark green forested valleys which the vineyards plunge vertically down into. Thats not a problem except we have to hike out of there to get back here. Indecision and off we went down hill. Skirting the vineyards dangling their treasured grapes, ripe for the picking in a few days. Out we pop into a gorgeous Austrian flower bedecked home. we have stumbled on a treasere called TRABOS.( www.trabos.au) The owner is tending her flowers and comes to say hello. She has a rose leaf on her chest and wears a long Austrian dress.
In the courtyard of their establishment is a building leading to their wine making operation. across the courtyard is their cafe. Behind this a big garage and home. Brillant multi colored flower baskets decorate every wondow and legde. she has won awards for her flowers. Around the corner are half round wine barrels filled with vegtables and herbs. Their 18 hecters is surrounded by row after row of grapes. She advises us to continue on the trail as it will lead back to Adam-Leiligs where we are staying. Down we go past a large pond. The terrain levels out as we follow a small stream through along a forested road. Equisetum an ancient plant called hors tail blankets the forest ground. across the road we hike as bicyclests and motorcylests speed along on theis sunny day. We start ascending but it is not leading us toward our home. A quick look at the map shows we have many more hours of hiking if we continue on. Dead reconing we walk along the road, hopping the guard rail when cars come zooming by. Along a pasture we turn off the road and start climbing back up the forested hill. We arrive at an old home. it cement water trough serving water to bee's. Apple trees hang laden with fruit. A grass worn path starts up the hill. Up we go. We pass 2 children playing outdoors. Back into the vineyards as we near the crest of the hill we find outselves perfectly back at Adam-Leiligs. Yipee lets go to Trabos for a late lunch/dinner. Muuuumm Kranichsalat! Great Cuvee Josef wine. After our meal Josef Trabos himself shows us his wine making operation and pariently answers our questions via Margrit and Sascha's interpretstion.