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We got off to a good start on Krippenstein – our bus driver (Nico) had been caught up in traffic which meant he turned up 15 mins later than planned, which gave us a little extra time to consume sekt whilst waiting for last minute arrivals for our full bus. Leaving 15 mins later actually meant that we could drive a good 3 hours before having to make a first stop. I got a request from Andreas C. that "if we could – lets try and stop where there's a Burger King." Request acknowledged, request granted. Unfortunately the EC cash machine was charging too much for Andreas' withdrawal and he decided not to get cash out thinking that Krippenstein would have enough people living there to merit having a cash machine. Luckily he mentioned this and Nico was kind enough to stop for a quick cash, cigarette and leg stretch just a few kilometres away from our destination. This also gave us the opportunity to check out the snow conditions! Nico did us proud getting us to Krippenstein 10 mins before we'd originally planned. Awaiting us were six fscers (Matt N., Sebastian S. who had driven from a trip to München. Dave P. and Mike L. who had flown in the day before from the UK and Phil G. who had driven up from Zürich with Bernie H – who had replaced Victoria Q. after her accident a few days prior in St. Anton) that had made their own way there. They had been holding the fort on the bar front but were defeated at the very last minute as we arrived by the barmaid closed the bar! Luckily – being quick think, when it comes to drinking – the TC rushed back to Nico and purchased a nightcap crate of beer to take back for still thirsty travellers.
Having pre-informed all trippers who was in which group and where there would be on the first of three days, regional passed were handed out in time to get on the on the local short (5-10 mins) bus ride to the base station in Krippenstein, where we put on our beepers and were assigned our guides/instructors. Herr Höll from the BSFZ is a very helpfull man indeed.
