29.7.2017: In the Rienz Gorge.
The girls opt for a second town stroll in Meran. After a lazy morning at the hotel pool I start for a walk on the Natz - Plateau. This time, I wna tot have a look into the Rienz gorge.
The weather isn´t completely clear, so we have postponed higher mountain walks.
Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia) on a wild growing buddleia.
200 m below the altitude of the village of Natz, I reach the wonderful high pedestrian bridge over the river Rienz.
The Rienz drains the whole Puster valley to the west, from the border ro Austria till here, that is more than 50 km. there are several water power stations and reservoirs, so there may occur sudden flood waves. That´s why the bridge is that high.
Back up using a different route this time.
In between an area with dry ground at this rocky outcrop.
cobweb house-leek (Sempervivum arachnoideum)
Back at the apple plantations.
Common mallow (Malva sylvestris) ...
... with visitors.
These vines also can be watered here, and they get a protective net against birds - the nearest forest is rather close.
Apple plantations on terraces between dry stone wallks.
Once more crossing the chestnut forest.
View to the Lüsen valley. Tomorrow, we will be walking up there.
Back up on the plateau, with the view to Natz. Endless apple plantations.
The pond named Laugensee.
Here I meet the girls, Thanks for fetching me with the car, it is rather hot now here.
Lucy has played with the ball near the water and fell into it.