It is difficult to find the words to describe our Austrian untour but I will try to list some of the highlights without a day by day travelog.

Fresh apple strudle waiting for us on our arrival. Our landlady waving to us from an upstairs window.

Standing alongside the locals celebrating Corpus Christ Day. The pagentry, folk dress, bands and parades. Buying goodies from the stands along the parade route.

A local gentleman joining us in a restaurant and buying us all a drink. The Austrians loved having us. Even though he spoke no English we communicate with Charles' limited German.

Coffee by a fountain with a new friend we meet in Salzburg while looking at a map. She's from New Zealand and wants to help. We having a wonderful visit over espresso and capuccino. Then on to the Marionette Theatre for "The Magic Flute". Timeless.

A trip up the mountain with one of our host families to celebrate summer solstice (first day of summer). Stopping first at a very old farm house for schnapps made by the owners. Then on up the mountain to a hut (restaurant) and wonderful mountain food, a local band, singing and overall merry making. Then out to see the fires burning (intentionally) all around us in the mountains in welcome of summer. Something new for us but isn't that what its al about?

Driving the Grossglockner highway to the top of the alps. Having a drink high on the peak.

The view from the "Eagles' Nest". Meeting some former GIs who had come back on a nostalgic trip to find old "haunts" and maybe some old girlfriends? They were so funny. They had served their country during a time that was not so much fun.

Sailing away on the Konigssee, seeing the sleeping witch, having cool drinks on St. Bartoloma. Enjoying a visit with a couple from Munich and their daughters on the way back on the boat. People are very eager to practice their English with us.

Our landlady driving us up to see the Golling waterfall in the coolness of the evening. Also to the lake in the Valley, so peaceful. We enjoy the ducks and the complete serenity of such a setting. Its like we have gone back in time and there's no one else on earth.

Browsing in a small flea market in Kuchl, buying some used treasures to bring home.

The drive to Hallstatt in all its scenic beauty. Also driving to Bad Gastein with other untourists and listening to a Strauss concert in the square.

A day in Salzburg just strolling the old city, riding the incline up to the fortress and having a drink in a cafe overlooking the city. What a view! A ride in a horsedrawn carriage around Salzburg. Seeing the arts and crafts fair along the river.

Evenings sitting on our patio, snacking, having a glass of wine, enjoying the view, visiting with our host family (the Helmichs), a most wonderful, helpful couple.

A local folk music show at a restaurant in Viguan, lots of home grown talent.

The Idyll dinner in a lovely inn with a folk group entertaining us. Just getting to spend some time with our hosts and other untourists.

A Band concert on the main street of town in the evening and then going on to a church choir concert. Angelic.

Having a massage by a local masseuse who met us on her bicycle and escorted us to her small parlor in her home.

Austria is a place of quiet beauty, stunning mountain peaks, most heavenly flowers and tasty food. But her greatest asset is her wonderful people, so warm hearted and welcoming and so proud of their culture. I highly recommend this untour to one and all and we would surely return.

Charles and Margaret Gates, Little Rock, AR. Austria, June 18 through July 2, 2003.