We set off shortly after 8am, from the hotel we took the road to Winkl and crossed the river, picking up path 7 and then path 3 to take us to the Wirstbauernalm. This path is the "lakes" route to the hut. It took us longer than Dennis thought it would to reach the first of the three lakes. It was wonderful setting for a long laze - but Bergfuhrer was not allowing such indolence. The path continues to the second and third lake, en route there was one tricky point that was iced. The views from the path were marvellous, especially so because we had wonderful weather. From the final lake the path reaches an altitude of circa 2460m before descending down to the Elberfelder Hut. You see the hut some time before you actually reach it.
The day was getting warmer, and when we arrived at the hut the couple running it were outside resting in the sun. We chatted to the couple and demolished a large apple juice with soda each. We liked the hut and it would have been great to stay there, but after less than half an hour Dennis was cracking the whip again, heaven forbid that he should forgo an evening meal, and we started on the long way home. Leaving the hut we took path 3 down the valley taking in the views. This is an easier path than the lakes path, but there are a quite a few ups and downs on this path, especially noticeable to sore toes. Just past the Wirstbauernalm we joined our route of ascent, and made it back to hotel in time for our evening meal.
