Irish Trefoil Guild

The Trefoil Guild Abroad!

The 'recycled teenagers' go on a trip to Austria (including white water rafting, discos and floods!)

Twenty recycled teenagers set off at 5am on the 20th of August for Shannon. All were members (and friends) of the Galway Trefoil Guild and ranged in age from 57 to 70. We boarded a plane at Shannon for Cologne, with a slight delay as three vital passengers, Margaret, Lily and Angela were missing!

When the missing had been found, we all settled back and enjoyed our flight. We found our coach at the airport and the driver didn't know that we were adults! He was waiting for the Guides to appear, but it was us, with walking sticks and ample bodies, but still full of fun. We arrived at our accommodation at Stanzach in the Lech Valley, Austria at about 8pm.

Yes, we were tired, but we had plenty of spirit to keep us going. We were up for Mass at 8.30 the next morning but then had a quiet day because of the rain, enjoying the surrounding area plus books, walks, cards and chat.

On the Monday we travelled to the woodcarvers and, as usual, the pieces were wonderful, wooden stars, Austrian dolls and yodellers were a favourite with all. We also visited the little church in the village which had a wonderful history.

A story was depicted on the walls of the church, where, upon investigation, we found the remains of the local people who had died from the plague! Judging by the faces of our group, we nearly had a few more remains to add to the collection!

The rain was still pouring, but we had a waterfall to see and a coffee stop up the mountain, to enjoy the delicious apple strudel. We were happy we achieved the climb. The waterfall was crystal clear when we were going up, but a nice shade of brown as we came down. We did not realise that it was to join all the other mountain streams that night and cause a disaster. On the Tuesday when we awoke, we were told that the roads were closed due to the weather conditions and that most houses had no electricity. As we had gas we were ok and the plans for the day were put on hold. However, there were plenty of walks to see the trees flowing down the raging river and Freddy in the sports shop was delighted as he sold all his raincoats! That evening we went to a choral and orchestral concert, and as they had no electricity, they performed by candlelight.

On Wednesday we were joined on the coach by a group from Belfast and Belgium and the singing was mighty— strains of 'Galway Bay' was the anthem. We visited a Bavarian Castle which was truly magnificent. That night we went bowling and had such fun. None of us had a clue how to play - it was hilarious! Eileen Carrick won by a hundred - she must have friends in high places!

On Thursday we went on a cable car trip, which was a first for many of the group, up the Bergwandergebiete mountain. The view was truly stunning, the food delicious and the buttermilk was just what the doctor ordered. An alpine garden had been created with love and care by a lady living up the mountain. The exercise was good fun, especially when Eddy and Catherine translated the proper way to proceed. We finished the evening by celebrating Jane's birthday, a lovely finish to a special day.

On Friday we went to Oberammergau; this trip was very well planned and we had the choice of going to the Museum or going on a guided tour. Most of the group opted for the tour around the town by train and we learned about the history of the town. We took plenty of pictures of the houses which depicted fairy tale stories. More shopping followed, with delicious ice cream being first on the agenda! All the Galway ladies then bought Christmas tablecloths as a wonderful souvenir. The Passion Play is performed in Oberammergau every 10 years and the next performance will be in 2010, so start saving now!

On Saturday we went on a tour of Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol region of Austria. We had a guided tour there and Jane, Bernie and Margaret went on a horse. We also visited a church in the town of Weis, which was really lovely and we bought some more trinkets and holy water - when I got home I felt I'd been on a pilgrimage! On Sunday we had Mass and then a relaxed day. During the afternoon, Maureen, Nora and Aideen went white water rafting and reported that it was good. In the evening we went to a place called 'The Post', to a disco, and disco we did! The English group joined us and we really were recycled teenagers.

On Monday, our last day, there was a last minute shop for souvenirs and the fit three went paragliding. We were sure they had got lost, but they completed what they wanted to do and that's what the holiday was all about: everyone was able to choose to do their own thing. We had a special last evening with Eddy and Catherine and the next morning we were on the road at 7am, journeying home. After a long trip we were all ready to see the welcome sight of the Costello bus at Shannon, and we were all soon home, safe and sound.

Report by Eileen Carrick of the Galway Trefoil Guild

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