join me for a walk in the Vienna Woods

Baden, Austria is located in the hills of the Vienna Woods about 26 km south of Vienna. Baden dates from the Roman era, when it was known as Thermae Pannonicae because of its numerous warm sulfur baths.  Many Viennese would travel there for rest and therapy for various ailments, especially rheumatism. I am not a big fan of bathing in something that reminds me of my days in the chemistry laboratory, but I definitely found my long hikes in the Vienna Woods therapeutic.  One of my favorite walks was up to the ruins of Rauheneckerberg Castle that was built  by a family of knights by the name of Tursen in the 12th century. It was like something out of Lord of the Rings and we really thought we might see a hobbit or two along the way or at least a white ghost tree in the remains of the courtyard. 

As I walked I stopped , opened my eyes very wide and marveled at the flora. I collected a few little blossoms and tiny treasures along the way in my little cotton sac.  I wanted to have a collection that represented  spring in the Vienna Woods so I laid everything out on one of the flagstones in the park known as the Rosarium , located just behind our hotel. 

I only wish I could  share  the scent of all the flowering trees that imbued the air and the symphony of songbirds from high in the trees.

Comments

[Jumbleberry Jam]

Gorgeous! And your collection of Spring specimens are perfectly timed with May Day. Thank you!

[susie]

What a blessing to perceive all that beauty with your sences. Thank-you for sharing that beauty with me.

[crispina]

Wow. Thank you. I really needed a walk in the woods just then. It is always so peaceful to slow down and appreciate the little perfections from nature. Your work is lovely and unique. I am glad I saw it.

[Rane]

Margie thank you for thinking of
us back home when you had your
walk. The flowers are oh so
beautiful. And the view wonderful!
Oh the 5th photo... how did you
get that photo.... it is so high!
Loads of love to you and your
family!
Rane

[nanou]

What a great change of scenery ! I love your nature collection. Beautiful varieties and colours ... I guess you had fun to gather all these treasures. You have so perceptive eyes on the Beauty ... Thank you for this nice walk.

[Quince and Quire]

It looks magical--I'll have to add Austria to my list of places to visit. I love the contrast between the embracing view of your aerial photograph of the woods and the intimate picture of the parti-colored flowers.

[julochka]

i love the way that reading your blog and seeing your pictures and your collections reminds me to live more mindfully, right here and now.

love the collection picture especially, tho' the lichen is wonderful as well...

[Venus Perez]

Absolutely breathtaking.

[mayaluna]

stunning landscape! what gorgeous walk!

[Sonia]

Oooh Margie, your photos really do make me think of the photos I took during our last vacations in the south. European flora, I suppose. Thanks so much for sharing all this with us, and for taking time to take all these lovely photos ! oxox

[Denise]

wow. thanks for that lovely trip