June 17 - The train goes across Liechtenstein, then does a big loop around Feldkirch and parks pointing south. Somewhere along here, we go through another passport check when our train ticket is inspected.
Our apartment is about a two-minute walk from the train/bus station, a new record for convenience. It is in a run-down building above a bar (where we collect the key), but the apartment itself is very nice with views of the nearby hills and forest.
This is the first country of this trip that duplicates one from our 2022 travels in Europe. However, we are at the opposite end. We have finally managed to get into the mountains. Feldkirch sits in a low valley, but around us are high alpine peaks, some with snow. Looks like all tilted sedimentary beds in the cliff exposures.
It is a sunny afternoon so we hike it up the hill to the west, where there is a wild animal park. The roads and stairs going up the hill pass many ornate and expensive residences.
The park is a big hit with Odette. They’ve included only European animals here, both domestic and wild, so it has a more local feel than a zoo. Also, the enclosures are large and allow the animals plenty of hiding places if they choose to not be seen. Ironically, we see every large animal housed there.
There were other wild animals we were thrilled to see, including wolves and a fox. There was also a hut with a beehive that we could look into through a pane of glass.
