8635 feet above see level with no gradual acclimatize as the cable car moved a fairly brisk clip. As we headed up the cable car that day the little hand in mine went limp for a brief moment and her head nodded like someone dozing off. Immediately I dropped to my knees to be sure she was conscious. She laughed like a child just shy of her 4th birthday saying she “fell asleep”. One cannot stop the gondola mid-mountain and anyway she assured that she was well. Arriving on the summit things seemed for a few minutes to be copasetic. Walking we immediately encountered a glacier and the ice was very exhilarating and unexpected in the eyes of a child given that when we arrived in Lech, Austria just the day before the temperature was in the low 70’s and sunny. But that next day at the apex there was a transference and temperatures has plummeted to the lover 50’s, even more evident on the mountain. Attempting to slow a high-energy child who loved to climb down once the mountain presented itself was nearly futile. She took off like a bullet and then an instant later stopped; looking pale she requested a moment to rest.
Panic strikes a parent at the sight of a blood drained child who for moments that felt like hours was staring blankly and unresponsive. We expedited our return to the cable car station in anticipation of requiring emergency oxygen, the key being that we, as parents, remain externally calm in the midst of a racing heart and speeding thoughts. She bounced back, flushed cheeks and giggles even before we began our descent but this final downward trip thatwill remain memorable to us all. Thankfully what she recalls is the ice on the crest and the helicopter carrying supplies right outside our window.
Lech has quintessential village charm. It’s location in Western Austria slightly removed, high in the mountains, has helped preserve Lech’s appeal and allure. The hotels are built in traditional chalet style and a rushing river runs along the main street. In the winter it is apparently very overrun with elite, upper crust visitors including royalty for the amazing snow and slopes but when we were there it was very calm and serine. It is in an amazing spot between two stunning valleys with equally impressive scenery. Another amazing stop for us but then again we planned it that way.
Later in the afternoon, after the event on the mountain, the rains came washing any chance to hike even the low-lying mountains once we all recuperated. The saving grace was that our hotel was equipped for all weather and all ages. There was a huge indoor heated pool AND a separate kids pool with water features and soundproofing equipped for diving and splashing. There was an indoor playroom with puzzles, crafts, games, playhouses, puppets, blocks, Legos, trucks, dolls, and any other kids toys one could request. Our little one was stoked. Even better? They had a certified childcare provider in-house and a spa and fitness room for the adults. We have spent 24-7 together for a many weeks now and amazingly have had a fantastic time. The experience with nature and the great outdoors for the majority of the time must be credited for our lack of need for space. We already have been experiencing lots of breathing room in more ways then one but, it flowed naturally and pleasantly that adults got strictly adult alone time during the day and kid got kid playtime. Ah, so what is wrong with a few days of rain? And rain it did even as we drove onward to our next destination.
Living Wherever We Are 