Die Bergwacht ! - The Mountain Rescue Team.

Founded in 1896, the members of the Bergwacht are engaged in "search and rescue missions" in the mountains of Austria almost year round.

Austria wide there are nearly 12,000 volunteer men and women.

The "Section Bleiburg" has 32 unpaid members who yesterday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the commencement of their selfless activities.

My camera was there:

The first plateau, which can be reached via cable car, and in the background

the rock massive of "The Petzen"

The emblem of the "Bergwacht", the mountain rescue team.

Freddy Marolt,

one of the long time members of this noble organisation.

"Mitsch" has also been a member for more years 

than he cares to admit.

This day he spent selling chances to raise much needed funds

for the operation of the Bergwacht, Bleiburg.

Franz Moser, the leader of the troop hugs Christin

who is the "patron of the flag"...

a much honoured position within this organisation

16 members of the Bleiburg group.

A view from the plateau down into the valley.

The Ladies' Choir sings Carinthian songs in honour of this 50th anniversary celebration.

Bleiburg's steeple dead center of this image.

Many visitors donned original native costumes

and wore their original native beards.

Some of the visitors attended the 11 O'clock Mass

celebrated in the church - chapel situated on the Plateau.

You cannot get much more "original Carinthian"

than this visitor to the beer tables.

One last view onto the valley below.