Installing Office for Mac...

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I bought a MacBook Pro a couple of month ago. And so far everything has been fine and I really enjoy the stability and ease of use. I had purchased the product key for Office for Mac as well. But I never really got around to installing it. For most parts I really didn't need it. And those few documents I had to write I can easily do with the Apps that come preinstalled or just do it through Google Docs. But with my class in Economic Calculus starting and the advanced Excel class just around the cornier I had no option of installing Office. So I followed the install instructions and it was pretty much straight forward. Downloading the DMG was done in no time at all. And having a 100 MBit internet speed at your disposal really helps. While we are on that subject I'm thinking of upgrading my internet to 150 MBit. Would love to get 250 MBit but that's a little to expensive for my taste. In case I should upgrade my internet speed I'm thinking of ditching cable. But I haven't worked that all out yet.
Once the download was complete I starte the installation procedure and like all the Mac Apps I've installed it was straight forward with no hiccups. Of course being a curious guy I had to check it out right away. The package contains Word, Power Point and Excel. Why it does install the Outlook as well although you can't really use it isn't quite clear to me. Unless it's a marketing gimmick to get people to upgrade. The first thing I did is checking out Excel, since I will be working with that a lot in the next few month. The one thing that always strikes me as odd is that fact that the same version of Excel in for Windows and the one for Mac doesn't really look the same. You would thick that programmers would find a way to make the layout of the program look alike. Would make it much easier for people who have to switch between Mac and Windows. And yes this is somewhat annoying. But on the bright side doing economic calculus on the Windows version of Excel and having to do it at home on the Mac version is a good practice so that you're familiar with both versions.
I know I could install Parallel Desk on just run the Windows version of it on Mac machine. But it hasn't come to that yet. I might have to do that some day in the future when getting into the really advanced Excel stuff.

Making new doggie friends...

So far it has not exactly easy for Gina to make doggie friends. On the one hand she is interested in them on the other hand she is reluctant as well. She has had some bad experiences with other dogs in the past. But at times her curiosity just takes over. And I've noticed that she gets along best with balanced and rather calm dogs. The crazy ones really drive her crazy and she doesn't want to have anything to do with them.
Today she got to make 2 new doggie friends in the neighborhood. First up was 7 year old cocker spaniel and the two socialized and played for some time while I was having a nice and interesting chat with the owner. About half through our usual walk she met a young pit bull. She hit it off right away with the young guy and the two played very nice for some time and Gina got to let out some of that energy. It was great to see her playful side with other dogs and there is real hope, that she will be able to socialize with other dogs on a regular basis.

Economic Calculus...

So the spring semester starts. On the one hand I'm actually looking forward to it, but on the other hand I know it's gonna be hard. I choose a class Friday afternoon. That way I get to spend more time with Gina on the weekends. But working till noon, then heading back home, taking Gina out for a long walk about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, grabbing a quick bite to eat and then heading to the FH campus and dealing fir 5 1/2 hours with economic calculus is actually exhausting. This class is anything but low key. It's harder than I imagined it to be. I've had classes on Friday afternoon and they really don't bother me. But this class is different. On the one hand the matter at hand is challenging. It requires you to change your thinking as an accountant. It's not about where to record it it's about the merchandise itself. And if that wouldn't be challenging enough you have to figure out a way to present the solution in Microsoft Excel. And that's much more difficult that I thought it would be. It really challenges your brain. And that's something not bad for an accountant. And of course you get to hear different ways on how to solve to problem and that by itself makes you better in working with Excel. Sometimes you hear of a way to solve a certain problem that you would have never ever thought of on your own.
I know what a lot of people are thinking...how much fun can economic calculus be? But as far as I'm concerned it's really interesting and it gives you a much better understand of the procedures that might need some serious overhaul in the company you're working for.
I got home from class a little after 9.30 pm. Spent some time with Gina before taking her for her evening walk and spending a couple of hours to relax.

Gina has a new Dog Sitter...

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that Tamara, Gina's previous dog sitter, had to quit because of her studies. On Tuesday they had their test outing with Gina and it went really well. I didn't expect otherwise, since Gina is usually very easy to get along with. I'm very happy about that development, since I really wasn't looking forward to having to screen for dog sitters on my own again. And having a very busy working and learning schedule isn't helpful with that task either.
So from Monday on Gina will be heeding out each day for 1 hour with the new dog sitter.

Package in the mail...

Well, yesterday I found a note in my mailbox, that they had attempted to deliver a package. I knew it was a rather heavy package and that I wasn't going to carry it all the way back to my apartment by myself. After all, a bulky package weighing around 30 lbs isn't that much fun to carry. So this morning I arranged for a cab to pick me up at the post office. I left work a little before 5 pm and headed directly to the post office. Of course I got to the post office about 20 minutes earlier than I expected to. And that meant that I would have to wait for the cab at least for 15 minutes. But it wasn't too bad, since the weather was fairly warm and otherwise nice and it gave me time to catch up on my twitter feed. Having a busy working and learning schedule and having to get up every day at 4 am to take Gina for a long morning  walk really means that I'm falling behind on my social media feeds. The cab got to the post office 5 minutes early and we headed back to my apartment. And this really were 7 bucks well spent. I only had to drag the package to the elevator and the rest was easy. Of course an very excited Gina had to inspect the package. For this of you curious about it...this is part of what will essentially become my office and learning place. And yes I will reveal it once it's all done.

Registering Gina...

I never really got around to register Gina with the the city/animal control. On the one hand I really didn't want to do that until Daisy account had been canceled and on the other hand there was no real urgency, since they don't send out the request for payment until March. Today I finally got around to do exactly that. Luckily you can do that online and don't have to to go down to one of the cities administrative buildings. You might think doing that online is a piece of cake. Well, not so much. The ask you for stuff of your dogs microchip number, your doggie insurance number and of course they want prove that the dog has been registered with the animal database. for the last thing you need the print out of the registration. So it took me some time to get the things together. Let's just hope that there won't be trouble, since I'm quite some a little over the deadline. But usually the city is happy that you register your dog with them at all. So I think I should be good.

Changes for Gina...

There will be some changes for Gina in the very near future. Can't say that I'm happy about that. I really liked Gina's dog sitter and the two of them were getting along great. When I got the new on Friday that Tamara wouldn't be able to take care of Gina during the spring semester I was not exactly thrilled. But that's the thing with students. Their schedules are subject to changes and in this case it no longer really works for her. But Tamara assured me that she would be talking to her boss to find a suitable replacement for Gina.
Of course I spent parts of the day considering my options, but chose to give Tamara's boss some time to find a replacement. Before having to decide if I go out and try to find a suitable dog sitter by myself. The only other option would be to try it without a dog sitter. And that's something that I don't want to try if I don't have to, at least not at this stage.
Today after getting back from Gina after the evening walk, I got a call from Tamara telling me that they had found a possible replacement dog sitter. Now the plan is that they're doing a walk together and see if the two are a match. Well I keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. I will keep you guys posted of that.

Spring Semester...

Those of you guys, who read my blog regularly, probably know that I had been planning out my spring semester and that it was going to be somewhat low key. After all I didn't want to take another law class after having had 2 semester with nothing but law classes in a row. And Gina takes up a considerable about of time as well.
So I decided to take a class in economic calculus and and advanced excel class. Well, I had gotten the invoices in the mail already a couple of days ago, but never got around to paying them. Today I did do just that. And the spring semester is going to cost me around 600 bucks. That's actually not bad, considering the fact that my classes usually cost me around 1.000 bucks per semester and considering the fact that I will be able to take advantage of the knowledge acquired right away. So there will be an interesting 8 weeks ahead of me. And I did schedule my classes so, that I won't be having a class on Saturday and that gives me the opportunity to take Daisy for day hikes or even weekend hikes if I schooled choose to do so.

Ordering my desk..

Well it has been quite some time since I had done anything to complete my apartment. One of the items missing was a desk. On the one hand it wasn't that urgent on the other hand I couldn't find the desk I really wanted to. The desks in a decent price range were just not to my liking and the desks I really liked were way too expensive as far as I was concerned. So the desk never happened. And then there came the tinge when I was seriously considering a change of venue regarding my professional occupation. And that could have meant that I wouldn't need a desk at least not for the near future. So the investment just seemed pointless.
But life is a funny thing as it never turns out the way you expect it to. Recently it had become clear that I won't be changing my occupation any time soon and with the upcoming spring semester and the classes I had booked it was clear that I really need a desk. But the dilemma with the desks hadn't changed. My first stop were some of the regular furnishing stores. But I just wasn't willing to deal with there delivery times. Waiting for a simple desk for 3 weeks on average ist just ridiculous as far as I'm concerned. That left me with the stores that sell professional desks, but I just wasn't willing to pay 400 bucks and up for a desk. My next stop was Ikea. I finally found a desk that I really liked. It doesn't look exactly like your average office desk, but it will do its job quite nicely and that for less than half of the price. And that includes already the delivery charge. If all goes according to plan I should be having my new desk in about 7 days. That's definitely more to my liking.
The only thing this home office is lacking now is a decent office chair.

VET appointment - round 5...

This was Gina's VET appointment number 5 and it was also the appointment when the dressing was supposed to come off. I left work around 4.30 pm since I wanted to take Gina for walk beforehand. Got him by about 5 pm. Put the plastic protection over the dressing and Gina wasn't exactly thrilled about that. Went with er for a walk and then we headed over to the VET. First thing Gina did when in the waiting room is hide between the couch and the wall. Didn't take too long for us to be called in. But to my surprise Gina walked into the VET's office without much hesitation. Putting her on the examination table was a different story. She wasn't exactly happy about that. But she let it happen. The VET took off the dressing and the wound looked actually pretty good. She even let the VET clean the paw without too much protest. Since everything looked so good the dressing could stay off. She just got a antibiotics booster shot, but for the time being Gina doesn't have to take any more antibiotics. The challenge is going to be to keep her from licking. From the VET I took Gina for an extended walk to work off some off that energy. That what had held her back for the past week was the dressing. But now with the dressing off Gina is back to her old self. Not sure which I like better. The more docile Gina was definitely much easier to handle, but the energetic Aussie is of course lots of fun as well.
When we got home I spent about 1 hour trying to convince Gina to stop linking her injured paw. With very little success I might add. My choice was either to put some protection over the paw or the muzzle. Knowing how much Gina dislikes the muzzle I chose the later one. That way she can at least do what she usually does at home and doesn't get the feeling that she is being punished again with the muzzle at home. As soon as I put the plastic protection back on that put an end to the licking. But Gina was so not happy. She was kinda pissed. Stayed on her blanket in the kitchen and didn't even look at me. But guess that's something I have to live with.
After I had dealt with all that I finally got around to check my mail. And my OEBB bonus card, that I had recently signed up for had finally arrived. That means lots of savings when traveling by train. In since I don't have a car that will come in quite handy, since plan to do lots of hiking with Gina in the near future. You have to pay 99 bucks for the bonus card, but you do save about 50% on every train ticket nationwide and about 25% on train connections across the border. That's a great deal after all.

Canceling Daisy's Account...

I never really got around to canceling Daisy's account with animal control. I knew that they weren't going to send the renewal notice at least till the beginning of March. So there was no real urgency. But on the other hand I couldn't register Gina either, otherwise they would charge me twice the amount. On the positive side you can do that online and don't have to show up at one of the cities administrativ buildings. But canceling an account isn't that easy. Besides your account number they need prove of the dogs death and you need the microchip number as well.
I thought nothing easier than that. Just look into Daisy's pet passport and be done with it. But then I remembered that Daisy was a very special case. When I moved Daisy from the States to Europe I did that with the microchip from the States and she got registered with animal control with that chip as well. But out here we use a different set of chips and most VET's couldn't read Daisy's chip so I had them implant a new one. Problem was, that the old chip number wasn't in the pet passport. I know that it had to be in the transport papers. But those are still packed up in box when I moved from Vienna's 12th to the 5th district. That meant I had to go through some of the unopened boxes in my apartment. I had a pretty good idea which box the transport papers were in. And pretty quickly I located them. Jumped online filled out the form with microchip number and Daisy's old pet license number. Put in all the required information and loaded up the confirmation of Daisy's cremation. That made it very final, but actually not painful.

Planning the Spring Semester...

To put it that way. I really couldn't decide what courses to take for the spring semester. It's not that I didn't know what courses I wanted or needed to take, but with Gina being the new dog in my life it's not that easy. And this dog needs a lot of training and needs some serious workout. So I really couldn't go for a full course schedule. On the other hand I wanted to start with day hikes on the Voralpen long distance trail with Gina pretty soon. And with my work schedule I can only take classes on Friday and Saturday. On the other hand not taking any classes during the spring semester is something I really didn't want to do either.
In the end I did end up with a compromise. I will be taking a class in economic calculus from the end of February to the beginning of April. It's a class on Friday afternoon/evening. On the positive side it forces me to get off work on Friday by noon. After all I need time to get home, take Gina for a long walk have a little snack and then head for my class.
In addition to economic calculus I will be taking a advanced class in MS excel. I do know Excel fairly well, but lately there have been situation where I really could have needed some "expert" knowledge to solve certain problems and I figured it might be a good idea to take an advanced class. This class will be starting at the beginning of March. The good thing is that It only requires me to physically present at the university for the first class, as the rest will be done through e-learning. And that's something that seems to be working better with my schedule. If I were to take classes during the week it means that I have to "sacrifice" paid vacation days for that. And that's something I'm just no particularly fond of. So all in all I think it is a good compromise. It is important to get the most out of both classes. After all they are not exactly cheap. Each class cost about 320 bucks.

VET appointment - round 4...

Today I had ti head back to the VET with Gina. This was an appointment that I hadn't planned. If she hadn't ripped her claw, we wouldn't have to go back till the beginning of April. But that's life...it always has surprises for you in store. I got off work about 1/2 hour early and headed back home. Got there around 5 pm and decided to hang with Gina about for about 15 minutes before have to put some extra plastic protection on the dressing. That's all because auf the damned winter weather we've been having lately. Yes, I'm really starting to dislike winter. And Gina was not happy about what I was doing. Showing me her teeth and I can't even blame her. But since we had to keep a certain schedule I put the muzzle on her and put the plastic protection in the dressing. Boy, Gina was pissed showed me her teeth through the muzzle and let me hear those high pitched sounds, that really make me feel bad. But being a doggie daddy you have to learn to deal with stuff like that. And I was done in no time. Gave her some affection and some doggie treats before heading out to the VET. And Gina was fine again in no time. While we walked to the VET I realized that Gina was showing more interest in her surroundings that she has been doing for the past 2 days. That's definitely an encouraging sign.
We got to the VET's office and didn't have to wait. I explained to the VET what had happened. Of course it's a 3rd hand testimony since I only heard what had happened on the phone. Gina was fine being put on the exam table. But removing the plastic protection didn't make her exactly happy. Removing the dressing really pissed her off. And she did show her teeth and squeal. Mad me feel bad, but there is nothing you can do about it. I just held her tight and it did calm her down. While the VET was removing the dressing he told me that he had had quite a number of dogs with ripped and broken claws. Not sure what it is about dogs and snow in Vienna. Daisy never ever had that problem. Once the dressing was off Gina was even less happy. And I did get a first look at what had happened. And boy that's really bad. No wonder she shows her teeth when you touch her paw. Considering the injury she is showing a ton of restraint towards me.
When she ripped her claw in the pound she just ripped it and it had to be cut very deep and cauterized. But this time Gina ripped the claw out at pretty much all the way to the root. And that of course is a very painful injury. Anything that close to the bone has to hurt like hell. So no wonder she tries to avoid stepping too much on that paw. But she is definitely getting better with that. After the inspection trough the VET the wound had to be disinfected and a new dressing had to come on. But Gina was so not happy about it and protested very distinctly and she squealed. Some of it was just doggie drama to make it go away. But some things really did hurt her. But that's something she has to get trough. Once the new bandage was on, Gina was all fine again and really wanted to get out of the VET's office. I got more antibiotics and we will have to go back on Monday to look how the wound looks. if all goes well, she won't be needing a bandage anymore. But I believe that, when I actually see it happen.
Of course after getting home, it was time for lots of affection and lots of doggie goodies. I will keep you guys posted on the progress.

Gina's big Accident...

Today was shaping up to be an interesting day right from the morning on. Gina din't particularly behave on her morning walk. But things were going to get a lot worse. But that's something I didn't imagine at this time.
Got to work and start me regular routine. When I look outside I see that Vienna is being pounded quite hard by a snow storm. This isn't something particularly special, but usually that is over in 1 or 2 hours. But this snow storm just kept on coming. Pretty good wind gusts and Vienna really got a good amount of snow. At that time I was thinking Gina and I will be having fun on our evening walk in the snow, but sometimes things shape up to be quite different.
As the day went on slowly ice flowers were forming on the window at work. While that is fun to look at, I really wasn't to fond of the idea of having to get out in the weather to get home. During that time we got the first news that public transportation service was getting more and more sporadic. More and more lines were shutting services down at least partially or kept services up with huge delays. I was pondering if I should take a cab from work or in the worst case scenario I would have to walk home. And that's about a 1 1/2 hour hike. And that was something I wasn't not really looking forward to.
But things were going to get way worse than that. Suddenly my cell phone rings. That's something that rarely ever happens when I'm at work. And it's my dog sitter. I figured right away that something had to be wrong or she wouldn't be calling. Turns out, that on there way back from the park Gina had broken on of her claws and a VET will have to look at it and most likely the claw will have to be pulled. So I told her to go ahead and take care of my poor girl. I thought that was the end of it. But boy was I wrong. About 1/2 hour later my dog sitters boss calls me to inform me about the accident. I tell me that the sitter had already called me and he let me know that I can call him at any time if I want to have an update. I thought that was very decent of them. Another 30 minutes pass and my sitter calls me, to let me know that my VET doesn't have office hours yet and that the second VET in the area of my apartment is on vacation. Of course, how could it have been any different. So we

decided that she is going to take Gina to the VET Clinic Meidling, where my sitter works part time. And I gave her the OK to take a cab, since Gina's dressing is not supposed to get wet. 1 hour passes and my sitter called me to let me know that the procedure has been finished and Gina is resting at home. Now I have to give Gina antibiotics twice a day and the dressing will have to be changed on Wednesday.
At that point I try to figure out how to get home. One of my co-workers offers to drive some of us to the next subway station. I gladly accepted that offer. Of course the tram I usually take from the subway doesn't run. So I take a walk in the winter wonderland to my apartment. Took my about 15 minutes what isn't too bad. I wonder about the mood Gina will be in when I get home. She was sitting on the couch and I told her to stay there. Really didn't want her to jump off the couch to greet me. I sat down her beside her and boy was she pissed. This girl was not happy. Took me about 20 minutes with lots of attention and doggie cookies for her to relax right next to me and put her head on my thigh. But touching her dressing was a no go. Every time I tried it Gina showed her teeth. So I let her be and went into the kitchen to start dinner. I figured she does not want to go out...and I was right. But after some time Gina joined me in the kitchen. So I put a blanked down for her to rest more comfy while I'm cooking. Gina pretty soon fell asleep. So she got to do 2 things that are normally a no go: she got doggie cookies on the couch and she is allowed to stay in the kitchen while I'm cooking. But other than that I didn't make a big deal about her accident. Me feeling bad about it doesn't change the fact and is not going to help Gina in any way.
I made good progress with dinner. While that I prepared Gina's meal and put it down. Wasn't sure if she was willing to get up to her bowl. But she got up right away and ate her food as if nothing had happened and after that it was back to her comfy blanket in the kitchen. After dinner I watched some TV and Gina was sleeping right next to me. Before heading to bed I really waned to let her quick out of the house to do her business, but as soon as I came with the harness Gina hid right away in the bathroom, just showing  me her butt. So I figured that was a NO as far as she was concerned. So I let her be and pretty soon she joined me in the bed and sleep very well right next to me.
I know that much, that it will take between 6 to 8 weeks until that claw has grown back and this will be really uncomfy for her for at least 1 week. And all that snow and sleet is not exactly helpful either. But I want to talk to my VET on Wednesday about the incident. Since that is the second claw Gina has broken within 3 month. She had that happen to her back at the pound. I know it's way more common than one might think, but none of the dogs I've had privilege to be around had that happen to them...at least as far as I know.
But I will keep you guys posted on the progress!

VET appointment - Round 3

Today I had another VET appointment with Gina. Got a little later off work that I did wanted to and went grocery shopping right after work. So there was only time for a semi-long round before we head to head into the VET's office.
We got to the VET and Gina hid right away at the side of the couch in the waiting room. She wasn't even slightly interested in the cat that was waiting for an appointment as well. But tried it was all tricks in the book to get out of the appointment. But at some point she got the point, that she wasn't going to get out of it...and slowly she relaxed.
We got called into the VET's office and she walked with me without too much coaxing. I took her weight and it turns out that Gina had gained about 2 lbs since I got her from the pound. And she's now up to 38 lbs. That's about 3 to 4 lbs more that I think she should way. So I guess my girl will have to go on a diet. But even with that weight she isn't really overweight...but she is getting there, if she were to continue on that path.
The weight issue wasn't the real reason for the VET visit. Gina was due for round 2 of her rabies shot.  She let me put her up on the examination table without any issues and getting the rabies shot was no big deal as well. Now her rabies vaccination is good for 1 year and she is officially allow to leave Austria's borders. That was important, since there is a possibility, that I might travel with her to Germany in fall.
The next time that we will have to see the VET is at the beginning of April when Gina's annual shots are due.

Voralpen Guide Book

Today I got a little surprise in the mail. Wasn't expecting for them to do such a speedy delivery, since I just ordered the guide book for the Voralpen long distance trail 2 days ago. But of course I couldn't resist to take a peak at it before taking Gina out. As soon as I got back and as soon as my crazy girl was fed I curled up with the guide book on the couch and looked parts of it up. You can get a badge for a through hike. Not sure if I'm gonna go for the badge. After all the point is to have fun on the trail with Gina and not for earning a badge. But we will see, I guess.
The other thing is there are 2 routes for the first 150 miles or so. A northern and a southern route. Both are fun hikes actually. And I'm still not sure wich of the two to take. The northern route is a more speedy hike, but the southern route goes through the local mountains. And that's something that I really appreciate. Of course there is the possibility that I might just do both routes. Just for the fun of it.
The average milage per day ist about 15 to 18 miles. Something that can easily be done. And yes it's really hard for me to wait. On the one hand I don't have all my gear together yet, on the other hand the weather is not exactly perfect for a through hike yet. Temps below freezing and still quite some snowpack in the local mountains. And yes it's just the beginning of February. But I just want to start with Gina on the trail. Yes, I'm excited and no I haven't planned all the details out yet. After all if you hike on weekends you have to figure out the schedule of public transportation in order to get to the trail and to get back to Vienna in a reasonable amount of time on Sunday evenings. And as long as it is that cold, I will have to stay at local motels and bed&breakfasts and I have to figure out if they let me stay there with Gina. If not I will have just have to take day trips. After all at this point of the year it's a little to cold for my taste to stay in a tent. If it would be later in the year I would just be doing that and not have to worry about the dog policy of motels. Another downside of starting that early on the trail is the fact, that most of the alpine lodges are still closed. A lot of the lodges have a winter room where you can stay, but you have to figure out if the winter room is open or if you have to pick up a key first. So there is still quite some planning to be done, before I can start out.

Outdoor Gear choices...

When it comes to my outdoor gear...well it's not as straight forward as Gina's outdoor gear. There are too many choices. All of them with their pros and cons. I know that I need a back pack for multi day trips. I'm most likely going to go with a 45 to 50 liter pack, that offers it's own compartment for the sleeping bag. But I still haven't nailed it down to what pack to order exactly. There are just too many choices. And there is the question if I should try to go for a compromise between one-day pack and multi-day packs. That way I would only have to buy one pack. But as I said it's a compromise. You're probably not entirely happy with the pack on multi-day trips especially when you plan on combining backcountry backpacking and camping. And for one-day trips it's a large pack. But I'm still not positive if I want to spend about 80 bucks on a one-day back pack. But then again there will be quite a a number of times when I will be only doing one day hikes. So the one-day back pack might just be worth the investment.
The other thing I haven't nailed quite down yet. Not sure what camping stove to get. Go for a standard one or go for UL (ultralight gear). Both have their pros and cons. The standard stove works great in most environments, but adds additional weight. But the UL stoves have the disadvantage that the get blown over more easily on exposed alpine plateaus.
Another thing I still have to figure out are the boots. In general I was thinking of going with light hiking boots. The have many advantages, but of course the weigh more. And especially on the first 150 miles there really is no need for hiking boots on the Voralpen long distance trail. In that terrain trail runners do just a fine job. But I didn't like some of the trail runners, since they don't have a vibram sole. And the standard shoe sole does a really bad job in mud. So I haven't reached an decision here either.
The one thing I have figured out is maps vs GPS. A handheld GPS device is definitely the way to go. Not only because of the weight you safe. The downside is the initial investment. So I calculated it and it turns out that finishing just the Voralpen will be enough that I have made the money, that I would be otherwise spend on maps. And since the GPS comes with a basic map of Europe and a Topo map of Austria I will be good to go for all additional hikes. Of all the choices I have in the area of GPS handhelds I've decided to go with the Garmin Oregon. I think it will work good for me and it's omen of the GPS devices with a touch screen. Not exactly the cheapest gear on the market, but will be worth the investment.

Ordering Gina's Backpack...

Well today I finally got around to order Gina's backpack. Those of you who read my blog regularly know, that I had decided on a long distance hiking trail. And I plan on starting with the sections at lower elevations as soon as possible. Good thing a lot of these sections are located right here in Vienna and the bordering Lower Austria. But of course without a backpack for Gina, that would be a no go. One the one hand it will be good for my crazy Aussie to have a job and carrying her food and water will just accomplish that. On the other hand I wasn't really willing to carry my dogs food and water. I only did that for Daisy when she was past 15 years.
I looked at quite a number doggie backpacks and finally decided to order the Palisades pack from Roughwear. It's a litte more expensive, but I think it will work the best for Gina. Of course it will take up 5 to 7 days for the pack to get here. but that shouldn't be a problem since I still need a new and comfy back pack for myself and some other outdoor gear. Besides that, right now it's not the perfect time to start a hike. Temps are still below freezing and in the local foothills there is still some snow on the ground. All a little "present" from the last winter storm.