Hallstatt - now with photos

Right now I am in what could be the most charming and romantic little town I have ever been to... alone I might add. So again, for all of those who I invited to Europe, you suck. However, I have been enjoying wineing and dining myself. Yesterday I woke up early to the wonderful sound of the waterfall outside of my window, walked down to the park at the end of town and dipped my feet in the lake for a while. Then I walked around town, changed into my swimsuit and went back to the lake for a very cold swim and to lay in the sun topless... gotta love Europe for that. After soaking up all of the cancer causing rays I could handle I took a long hike up to the source of the river that flows through town and into the lake. At the very top, a few miles up into the mountains I found a tiny baby duck that was all alone by a huge cliff and waterfall. If its mother was around it didnt show itself and the baby wouldnt have survived on its own. I emptied out my camera case and transported it down to the lake, where there was a mother with two babies the same age. It took about two seconds after I put the duck on the pier for it to jump into the water and swim out to the mother... who after pushing it away for a few minutes gave up and let the baby join the family. This morning I am happy to report that it is still hanging out with its foster family. It was pretty special to do that.

This morning I went out on the lake in a kayak for a while and then sat and drank coffee in a little pub by the lake. There is an ice cave here that I might go to and some salt mines. I have also seen people paragliding off of a cliff above the lake, so if I can afford it I might go and do that. I was only planning on being here for two nights, but have decided to stay longer. I am due to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday. There is a chance that I might skip Salzburg and stay here until then. Yah I know, scenic town... blah blah blah. Sound of music... blah blah blah. Really close by you shouldnt miss it... blah blah blah. But really, get on line and look at some pictures of where I am... would you leave