Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Mountains, forests and a lake for entertainment in Austria( London UK Jobs )!


Before we came to live here, my husband, who was born in Austria ( London UK Jobs ), always liked to tell us about the enjoyable holidays he used to spend with his family in the Packerstausee when he was a kid (London UK Jobs ). He used to go swimming on the lake, for walks in the mountains London UK Jobs ) and he also used to collect berries in the forests London UK Jobs ), which were later turned into deliciousjams. So it was not surprising that one of the first places we visited when our family moved to Austria ( London UK Jobs ) was precisely the “Pack” lake ( London UK Jobs )! We stayed in a typical guesthouse at the entrance to the lake for a few days, and it was the owner who told us there was a piece of land for sale nearby and he gave us the name and contact number of the owner ( London UK Jobs ).We eventually bought that piece of land and soon had a typical Styrian wooden blockhouse facing the Pack lake! ( London UK Jobs ) (Up, up & away we must go!) The lake London UK Jobs ) is only about 45 minutes from the city of Graz London UK Jobs ) where we live and we soon were to find that the place had many attractions depending on the seasons.

Summer London UK Jobs )

This is the best season in the Pack, as it is at 800 mts, so it is a few degrees cooler than Graz and the air is also better, as there is no fine dust pollution there London UK Jobs ). One can go swimming on the lake (London UK Jobs ), spend a relaxing time on a boat, or go fishing, as the lake is always well stocked with trout London UK Jobs ). There are several cafeterias around the lake London UK Jobs ), where it is possible to have ice creams, coffee, beer or soft drinks and where one can also have boats for rent.
There are also a few guesthouses serving typical Austrian London UK Jobs ) food all year round, including sweets like apple strudel and different types of cakes, like apricotplum or one of the various berries that grow in the area. Summer is also the time when one can stay in one of the caravan parks at the end of the lake and many tourists like to stay there.
In the summer months it is also possible to purchase strawberries and blueberries from a farmer London UK Jobs ), or to pick them yourself from the side of the road or the forest London UK Jobs ).
If one is feeling energetic, one can also follow one of the numbered walking trails, for which one can buy maps, or walk around the lake, where one will go past farms and forests London UK Jobs ).
If one goes fishing but does not catch any fish, one can always go to a guest house and order trout there, or buy some from farmers who grows them!
 

Autumn London UK Jobs )

Probably one of the favourite seasons, as it is then that people collect various types ofmushrooms from the forests London UK Jobs ), including popular ones, like HerrenpilzSteinpilz and the egg yolk coloured Eierschwammel. This is also the time when Sturm London UK Jobs ) (early wine) is available and it is customary to visit a buschenschank, which is the name given to places where wine-growers serve their early wine and also offer a limited selection of food, like country bread, spreads, sausages and cheeses. It is also traditional to sell roasted chestnuts to accompany the Sturm London UK Jobs ).
The Packerstausee is very close to the Styrian Weinstrasse, which is the wine growing area, and it is also known as the Styrian Toscana London UK Jobs ).
Late Autumn is also the time when one can eat game, like venison and there are many guesthouses that specialize in preparing those dishes.

Winter London UK Jobs )

Probably one of the most favorite seasons for young and old. There are a few skiing areas nearby, like SalzstiegelHirscheggHoiswirtModriach-Winkel and HebalmSkating and ice hockey are also popular once the Pack lake freezes. It was almost traumatic for me when I first saw a mother pushing her baby in a pram on the lake forestry jobs in pakistan ), and I still don’t feel comfortable, even when I know the ice is about half a metre thick!
In addition to alpine skiing London UK Jobs ), snowboarding London UK Jobs ) is also a great popular with the young, although older people usually prefer langlauf or cross-country skiing instead. Tobogganing (London UK Jobs ) is also much fun for the whole family and people can even try it at night time!
Especially after a long and cold Winter it is always nice to enjoy the longer and warmerSpring days and it is in the countryside that this is more noticeable. People also start thinking about the coming summer months, so most start growing flowers to decorate their balconies, which will reach their peak in a just a few months.

Christmas time London UK Jobs )

Especially if it turns out to be a white one, Christmas can be a most beautiful time in the Packerstausee, as children have holidays until after January 6th! It is also traditional for them to go out and choose their own tree to have it cut. Groups of children usually come around at this time too, collecting money for the church, bringing myrrh and singing Christmas carols. Guesthouses will have probably baked a selection of typical Christmas biscuits too, which they will gladly share with their guests as they wish them a Frohe Weihnachten London UK Jobs )!

Easter London UK Jobs )

The frozen lake will have probably started to melt by this time and it is customary to give people colored hard boiled or chocolate eggs at this time. Hard boiled eggs are also hidden away, so that children can have fun finding them, even though sometimes they will only turn up in the summer if they were well hidden!
A Diamond on the Bluff: Paul Wolff / Burnidge Forest London UK Jobs ) Preserve of Kane County, Illinois

A Diamond on the Bluff London UK Jobs )

 Nestled in an Illinois prairie on the Western edge of the population center for the City of Elgin, Illinois is a diamond on the bluff.  Elgin is sometimes called “Bluff City” as it is situated along the Fox River.  Illinois is known for its rich farmland and tranquil prairies.  The diamond is the Paul Wolff / Burnidge Forest London UK Jobs ) Preserve of Kane County, Illinois.

This hidden gem on the outskirts of the Chicago megalopolis offers a wide array of amenities for family, friends, adventurers, and land lovers.  Covering approximately 580 acres, the forest London UK Jobs ) preserve features the Paul Wolff Campground, two small stocked fishing ponds, trails galore, picnic accommodations, restroom facilities, and a small climbing rock for children to grapple with.  Ample parking throughout with service roads leads to various sites within the forest London UK Jobs ) preserves.

Campground Facilities London UK Jobs )

 Modern campgrounds await thee.  The Paul Wolff campground features 89 improved camp spaces for campers and recreational vehicles.  These sites have 50 amp electrical service, access to water and a fire ring.  There are also ten, what are called “primitive campsites” for traditional tent camping.  One of the fabulous aspects of the campground are the five equestrian campsites.  Fully plumbed bathrooms are also available for campers in addition to the salt of the earth outhouses available at various locations around the forest London UK Jobs ) preserve.  Arghh, no rum or other adult beverages are permitted in the forest London UK Jobs ) preserve.

Three Types of Trails London UK Jobs )

The beautiful rolling prairies and wooded areas feature three different types of trails. In all, the forest preserve has approximately nine miles of trails.  This great preserve is a magnificent area for an uplifting hike, a terrific training run, a strenuous bike ride, and a fabulous pleasure ride via horseback.
Wooded trails London UK Jobs ) are great for hill training and cross-country training.
Prairie Trails are cut wide 14 feet wide in most places for horses. The soft prairie surface provides an excellent opportunity for fartlek training.  They create excellent conditions for a long slow distance run as well (London UK Jobs ).
Bridle Trails are perfect for horses.  The 2.25 mile “multi-purpose” trail is superbly designed for hiking, cross-training by bike, and speed training.

The Diamond on the Bluff London UK Jobs )

Enjoy what solemn nature has to offer at the Paul Wolff / Burnidge Forest London UK Jobs ) Preserve of Kane County has to offer.  Bring your best-loved dog or horse to stretch out their legs in natural London UK Jobs ) surroundings.  Breathe deep and luxuriate in captivating woodlands and prairies. Train hard. Run well. Live life.

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