European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 30, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                It s the perfect Panorama from the of Orcla Surle in the Swiss Alps above St. Moritz a Mountain take with Glacier covered slopes in the  the Alps on foot Story and photos by Leah Larkin features editor mountains. 1 hey can get into your pares. Like powerful magnets they keep drawing you Back to their mystical kingdoms. Forever fascinating often challenging. Their Beauty and Solitude Are soothing to the spirit purifying to the mind. It s easy to develop a lust for being in these special places far above the stresses and strains of daily life where the air is Crisp and Clear As a perfect Diamond where the scenery never ceases to amaze places that make you feel Lucky to be alive. In Europe it s the Alps that Beckon and entice thrill seeking climbers backpacking hikers even sunday strollers and camera toting wanderers. There is something for everyone. The not so fit and or non energetic can ride to the tops in chairlifts or Mountain trains walk around take the obligatory photos and walk or ride Down. The More ambitious can set out on hikes that last anywhere from hours to Days and Lead through pretty valleys to even prettier peaks. The adventurous can explore the wild and dangerous terrain of glaciers and Pinnacles that Are accessible Only after strenuous climbs with Rones and ice axes. We re somewhere in Between. Not the real serious sorts loaded Down with climbing gear but no tout there in the Heights in our sunday shoes either. My husband and i like weekend hikes healthy Uphill treks that take us High enough to Reward us with a sense of accomplishment. Since being stung by the hiking Bug three Summers ago we be hiked the High terrain in Germany France Switzerland and Austria. We set out for the dolomites in Italy once but the Rains never stopped during our three Day visit. We never even saw the mountains. Sometimes we hike to a Mountain hut where we spend the night. Other times we stay in a Mountain town and hike up and Back Down in different directions each Day. We prefer the former a excursions with a Small Backpack to a hut or High Altitude hotel where the ambience is pure Mountain. Following Are information and details about some of our recent , Austria this could almost qualify As a Mountain climb. No special equipment is required for the trek to the Cross marking the top of this 3,000-meter Peak in Austria s Stubavi Alps. Nonetheless it s difficult. The last Section of Steep Rock is rigged with a Cable. That provides something to hold on to. But what about the feet finding a place to put them can be Tricky if not scary especially when the rocks Teeter totter As you step on them. In Mountain Lingo this is called Rock scrambling. It s More like Rock Roulette. When you get to the top however the thrill of Success is yours to savor. Ranges of craggy peaks some streaked with White patches of Glacier Are All around. It. Seems As if you re on top of the world and that s the Way you feel. We chose the Rinne Spitze hike from the Book adventuring in the Alps. More than the hike it was the hut in route that influenced our decision. The imposing Franz Senn Tut with Beds for 250 in t typical of Mountain huts. More than Large it also has running hot and cold water indoor toilets even showers a our kind of place. Most Mountain huts Are spartan with few or none of the above. At the Franz Senn hut we also had the luxury of stay ing in Semi privacy a room with two bunks which we shared with another couple. I Tut accommodations Are usually in dorms. The Franz Senn hut has those too and they Cost less