18. Jul 2023

Pongau - Südwiener Hütte

Last night was my first night in the tent. It rained most of the night which was good for sleeping, and fortunately the sun came out a bit in the morning so I could dry off the tent before packing everything away. It turned out to be a beautiful hiking day, but also a difficult one. This was my first full mountain climb with the complete backpack. Was I ever glad to make it to the top! (Videoclip).

Photos 1-4: I loved seeing the glory of God in his creation as I walked these paths. I also had two God-Talks along the way. A couple from Denmark and on bikes just happened to make a photo stop in a shady spot right before me. They greeted me in English and so our conversation started. I was able to share my story and pray with them before they road off and I continued on my way. A bit later along this waterway (Photo 2) I saw a young man sitting on a bench. He was from Germany and fishing for trout. I took a water break and sat next to him. We started to talk. In earlier years he had taken pilgrimages with his father, but active faith was not currently part of his life. I encouraged him to seek that God connection and said a prayer of blessing before continuing on.

Photo 5: I stayed the night at a Berghütte (Mountain Hostel). This is the view from my window. I book a bed in a dormitory room for seven people, but had the room for myself. That was great for sleeping. There were some other hikers staying the night as well. I sat with a group of three others for the evening meal. We connected, had God-Talks and I was able to for them and our evening meal. It reminded me of some of those special moments at the pilgrim hostels last year along the St. James Way. It was not easy today, but it was a good day!