16.03.2020
It is just not meant to be
Bernhard, Richard's brother, hurts himself and has to go to hospital. Further restrictions due to the corona virus augur badly and finally we have to leave.

Injury, delay and departure

14.03.2020-16.03.2020 - It was a short night for our friends. Therefore, Richard and I decide to take the day off and later on we are going to sort the equipment for ascending the Schrammacher Diagonale (M5-, 800 m) on the following day. Bernhard has been working all week and of course he is eager to get some exercise. He sets off for a ski tour, but a short time later he limps back to the parking area. Unfortunately, he lost grip in a gully and slipped off. A stick caused a severe wound. After a short first aid treatment Richard and Monika take him to the hospital in Innsbruck.

Late in the evening Richard and Monika return without Bernhard. Due to his injury he has to end the weekend trip and return home. Richard and I decide to postpone the ascent of the Schrammacher Diagonale for one day and to go for a ski tour to the Hohe Kirche (1350 Hm) the next day instead. The first part of the ascent through the dense forest and the steep gullies is rather tough. But above the timberline we make very fast progress. Once we reached the summit, we can enjoy the wonderful view and furthermore we have the opportunity to explore the conditions along the Schrammacher Diagonale. The ski descent on this day is awesome. Only on the lower section it is icy and, especially in the gullies, mistakes are not allowed.

View to the Nockeralm

View to the Nockeralm

View into the valley

View into the valley

Richard in front of the Zeischalm

Richard in front of the Zeischalm

View to the Kluppen

View to the Kluppen

Richard on the upper section

Richard on the upper section

Panorama from the upper section

Panorama from the upper section

Sigi on the summit ridge in front of the Schrammacher north face (Photo: Richard)

Sigi on the summit ridge in front of the Schrammacher north face (Photo: Richard)

Sigi on the summit (Photo: Richard)

Sigi on the summit (Photo: Richard)

Richard on the summit

Richard on the summit

Panorama from the summit

Panorama from the summit

Sigi at the descent (Photo: Richard)

Sigi at the descent (Photo: Richard)

When we arrive at the parking area, Monika and Barbara are already waiting for us. Unfortunately, there is bad news again. Due to the rapid spread of the corona virus, Germany has decided to establish border controls for people entering from Austria the next day. Furthermore, a stay-at-home order within Austria is announced.

Richard and Monika decide to return to Germany the very same evening. Barbara and I also set off across the border. After a short night on a motorway rest area we discuss further plans. With a heavy heart we have to admit that it makes no sense to continue our journey. More and more countries are closing their borders and restricting public life. Our families worry about us. All we can do is return home and let the crisis pass.

Overnight stay: N 47.037525, E 11.578625

Lessons learned

  • It is just not meant to be. But a pandemic is the last thing we had expected.
Written by Sigi