Starting the season the only way we know how.... by going up! - July 2012

Hibernation is a well known phenomenon that occurs when environmental conditions become too extreme and food supplies are too limited to support life.  As a consequence, animals adopt a state of inactivity and metabolic depression to conserve energy and "wait out" these inhospitable conditions.  The consequences of entering a state of hibernation without the absence of food can be disastrous as evidenced by my winter morphology.  Fortunately, hibernation, in whatever form, always comes to an end.


This past weekend brought about the first alpine adventure for 2012 trekking season.  It was long overdue but heavy snowfall in the mountains in April and May had rendered many of the high elevation trekking routes inaccessible until now.  Switzerland has more treks than anybody can complete in a lifetime, often making the decision of where to go overwhelming.  However, the Grindelwald area never disappoints so by 6:00 pm on Friday we were already on the train headed 2.5 hours south.

Nestled under the North face of the Eiger, Grindelwald represents an infinite number of possibilities for trekking and riding in the summer months.  

There is something truly magical about mountains.  There is an energy that is impossible to describe but their effects on me are predicable and certain.  I can remember the first time I saw mountains and I still have the same reaction every time I see them:  uncontrollable excitement and limitless energy.  Maybe it's because they represent an infinite number of adventures, challenges and/or memories?  I have a feeling I'll be spending the rest of my life trying to figure that out. 

The mountain on the right is the Eiger from a vantage that I'd never seen before.  This photo was taken looking back in the direction from which we'd come

The idea this weekend was to select a suitable trek for the season's first.  Traditionally, this would involve something of moderate distance without too much climbing.  Fortunately, traditions sometimes change and the route we selected was indeed moderate in distance but involved about 1000 metres of steep climbing!  A perfect way to start the trekking season!

The trail started to the right of the rocks in the centre and finished to the left.  We were rewarded with these beautiful vistas throughout the entire walk

The final destination was Grosse Scheidegg via a short but steep climb to the Schwarzhoren peak (2927m).  By all intents and purposes this is a simple walk, however, as a first trek of the season it was quite an undertaking.  


Early summer in the mountains is always a special time particularly when the weather cooperates.  We got lucky and nature coughed up the perfect day for a walk in the mountains.  The alpine flowers were in full bloom with a palate of colours so dense it is unrivaled and at higher altitudes, we were confronted with snow covering the trail markers forcing a few improvisations en route.  

After coming off of the ascent, the route back to Grosse Scheidegg was quite gentle.  It was along this part of the trail that we stumbled across the herd of chamoix and a pack of alpine marmots.

All along the route, the alpine flowers were in full bloom.  The contrast between these colours, the blue sky, white clouds, green pastures and dark rock were stunning in the full sunlight. 

In addition, what made this route particularly exciting was that it offered full panoramic views of the Grindelwald valley and the Eiger mountain from a vantage I'd not yet seen.  Fortunately, it also offered the possibility to see mountain goats, marmots, alpine flowers and other mountain wildlife.  On the ascent we saw a Chamoix (species of mountain goat) running in the distance and on the descent we saw a herd of 7 including 2 newborns.  No matter how much time you spend in the mountains, they always reveal something new!

Inhospitable winter conditions force animals to hibernate to survive.  Fortunately, with the heat of spring and summer life returns to the mountains with a renewed determination and quest for adventure. 

Life at 2600 metres - skiing in the Austrian Alps

Wouldn't it be cool to say that you have Alpine skied in every country in the world that offers it?  I'm sure that I still have a long way to go but at least now, I can check Austria off of the list.

This was the most cloud that we saw all week.  Photo is taken from the top of the main Gondola on the Rendl ski area.  This is the place that you want to go on a powder day.  Mostly red runs but absolutely all terrain is in play.  For the real adventurous, drop off the back side from Riffelbahn 2 chair.  Extreme!

I've always dreamed of going to St. Anton, Austria.  It's reputed to be the place where alpine skiing was invented and the birthplace of the infamous "Apres Ski".  After spending 7 days in the town of St. Anton and the surrounding Arlberg valley, I can certainly say that the Austrians really know how to do things right.

This photos was were the girls chose to spend the afternoon while we continued to ski.  Taken at the Lech ski area, this is the mountain village that consists of restaurants, bars, hotels and of course, sun bathed terraces.  The Lech area was a nice change but it's quite flat with the exception of a few "alpine route" areas.  Certainly, lots of fun to be had over a day or two

Just a short 3.5 hour train ride from Basel and we arrived in the smaller ski town of St. Anton, Austria.  Our chalet couldn't have been better.  Just minutes from the main Galzig gondola and steps from town, we had found our home for 7 days.

Taken from the top of the Galzig gondola you can see the town of St. Anton in the valley.

This was the first time that we have tried the "catered chalet" approach to ski vacation (favoured heavily by the Brits).  Having now done it, it would be tough to go back.  Every morning breakfast was served, tea and cake was waiting when we returned home from the slopes and every evening dinner consisted of a three course meal...with no preparation or clean up required.  Simply genius.  Not to mention that our chalet was equipped with a sauna (extreme sauna is a must!) and Nintendo 64 with Mario Kart.  Needless to say, this was a tremendous vacation!

This was the view that awaited us on Wednesday when we ventured to the Lech ski area.  By and large quite flat (with a tonne of people) this area would offers lots of fun if you could get off piste on a powder day

When we arrived in St. Anton it had been snowing for much of the day.  This meant that our first day on the mountain had the potential to be epic.  We were not disappointed.  Skiing knee deep powder for the first morning is always a tremendous way to start a ski vacation.  The top bowl still had plenty of fresh tracks down some pretty gnarly chutes.  I have to say, skiing in Europe (vs. NA) is a completely different experience.  No terrain is off limits!  It's essentially, ski at your own risk.  And that we did!

This shot was taken on day 5 so this bowl is now pretty tracked out.  Needless to say, many of those are ours from our first day on the mountain.  What you can see from this shot is that there is no shortage of ways down from the top if you're brave enough to jump off piste.  This was a nice gentle open bowl so really no fear of avalanche (although they did close it later in the week once the snow started moving)

We didn't really touch a piste on the first day.  Unfortunately, the weather then turned hot making the deep stuff a little less attractive for the rest of the week.  That said, you really can't beat skiing in pure sunshine, above zero degrees, with over 5 resorts accessible by one lift pass.  The expanse of terrain offered in the Arlberg valley is really unparalleled.  For a fantastic meal, an intimate atmosphere and a 360 degree view that will take your breath away, try the tiny restaurant at the top of the Stuben's ski area.    I promise you won't be disappointed while you eat great food on a sun bathed terrace!

It was really hard not to enjoy yourself.  The snow was a little soft in the afternoon but provided you stuck to the north facing runs you could still find some great snow.

Now, you can't have a blog entry about skiing in Austria without mentioning the food, the people and of course, the apres ski.  It is true that everyday ends at a slope side bar....and the atmosphere is unrivaled anywhere in the world that I have skied.  We were introduced to the "sun downer" and the "flying Hirsch" two of Austria's most famous apres ski drinks.  Of course, I was already quite familiar with the beer.  With an introduction like that, it's not long before you've joined the crowd in singing traditional drinking songs at the top of your lungs whilst dancing on the table.

Perhaps one of the highest gondolas I have every seen.  Just thought this was a pretty cool shot.  Unfortunately, with my mountaineering sun glasses on it's impossible to see the display screen of the camera so always shooting blind.  Given the circumstances, not a bad shot

At the end of the week, when all was said and done, we left for Basel with well defined goggle tans, a smile on the face and memories that will last a lifetime.  If every ski country offers such unique terrain, weather and atmosphere then I'm going to love experiencing them all!

Morzine France, the downhill mountain biking capital of the world! Sept, 2011

I can honestly say that I hadn't heard of Morzine France until moving to Switzerland.  Morzine is a major ski destination just across the border from Geneva.  Little did I know that it is also a world destination for downhill mountain biking.  It wasn't until a buddy and I decided to compare notes on which adrenaline sport we wanted to do last weekend that I ever dreamed of visiting Morzine France.

The plan was to drive down to Morzine after work on Friday.  Neither of us really knew what to expect.  Although we have both done a lot of cycling this was the first time for both of us to really don the full protective equipment and ride a full suspension bike down a mountain.  Sounds simple enough....right?

I woke up on Saturday to clear blue skies.  I have to admit that I was too excited to sleep in.  We walked into the first bike shop that we found and rented a full complement of protective equipment.  It's amazing how invincible you feel with a helmet, shoulder pads and a full suspension bike.

This is the view from the top of the area that we rode on day 1.  I was very surprised that for such a world renowned ski destination that it wasn't higher.  If this picture was taken in the opposite direction you would see Mt. Blanc!

Of course, our prework before this trip was quite minimal.  Otherwise, we would have known that this was the last weekend for mountain biking in Morzine for the season.  What this meant was that there was a full-on festival celebrating the end of the season.  Bands, BBQs and beers.  Tough to beat this weekend!

From the top you could choose any number of trails down to the bottom.  In this instance you can see riders taking off in all directions.  This was the last weekend of riding for the season so everybody was out trying to get in their last runs

Downhill mountain biking is set up much like skiing.  There are marked, graded runs to match all abilities.  Unfortunately, we didn't learn this until dropping into our first red (difficult) run.  It was possibly the most terrifying, out of control, exhilerating trip down a mountain that I've had in a long time.  There really is nothing like bouncing your way down a single track, hitting unanticipated table top jumps and flying around blind corners.... on a mountain!  Crazy.

I just think this is an awesome action shot of my buddy.  To was taken at the end of a long, steep forest section. 

We spent a good 6 hours riding on the first day.  Each trip down the mountain came with a bit more technique and a lot more confidence.  Needless to say, by the end of day one, the fear had dissipated and the adrenaline had taken over!  In fact, we had so much fun that we chose to rent bikes again on the second day and explored a completely different area.  

In the valley you can see the outskirts of Morzine.  From the village you have any number of lifts to catch to the top of the surrounding mountains.  The village was pretty quiet but preparations were already underway for the ski season

Every now and then you need to capture a legacy shot.  These are the photos that I collect to be proudly displayed at my funeral (whenever that might be).  Always good to reflect just how incredible life is!

All in all, we spent 140 Euro to ride the lifts, rent the bikes and protective equipment, and sport a permanent smile for two full days.  Unfortunately, like most of these weekends I now need to resist the urge to quit work, move to the mountains and spend obscene amounts of money on new gear!  If you're ever given the opportunity to ride a full suspension bike down a mountain, I strongly recommend that you do it.  You'll never look at single track trail the same way again!

Conquering the Matterhorn (well almost), Zermatt, Aug 2011

It is reputed to be the most photographed mountain in the world.  After visiting Zermatt Switzerland, and coming face to face with the Matterhorn, you can understand why.  It is a truly majestic chunk of rock that protrudes from the end of the valley almost entirely on it's own.  Standing at over 4400 meters high, with almost sheer rock face drops in all directions from its summit, you can understand why it has inspired only the bravest of men to climb it!

This was the view from our hotel balcony.  The good news about Zermatt is that most hotel rooms have views of the Matterhorn.  I certainly didn't think that on the first day we'd find ourselves more than half way up this mountain.

This trip to Zermatt was our first time visiting the city in the Summer time. (we've been here twice before for ski vacations)  The GF had secured an amazing deal at a boutique hotel that we couldn't afford to turn down.  So Thursday afternoon we ran out of the office and boarded a train destined for Zermatt (approx 3 hrs).   The plan:  Trek the Zermatt region top to bottom.

In the time that I've lived in Switzerland, I've come to realize that the local knowledge is always better than anything you can read in a book or on line.  Everybody that we met in Zermatt had a different recommendation for which treks to attempt except for one....the 5 lakes trip was unanimously recommended.  The only problem was, looking at the map, it didn't look nearly as challenging as I was hoping for and it was reputed to be quite crowded.  So, instead, I convinced the GF that a trek to the Matterhorn base camp (a blue and white alpine trail - see earlier posts) was a much better idea.  Man, was I right!

Approximately 1 hr in we came across a rather exposed section of the trail.  What I love about this photo is you can see what is still to come.  Our destination is the small hut just to the right of the top of the glacier just before the steep climb to the top

The climb itself was pretty straight forward.  It took us approximately 2.5 hrs to walk up from Schwartzsee.  The trail had some perilous parts with a few cable supported sections but really pretty safe/easy compared to other alpine trails that I've attempted.  I'm almost amazed, no matter how difficult I find a climb, to see Swiss people twice my age tearing to the top...It's quite humbling really!  We ate lunch on the terrace in full sunshine at base camp before scurrying back down.  Of course, never one to come back the way we came, we decided to hike approximately 4 hours back to town instead of taking the lift.

Ok, so you've seen lots of my photos with the swiss climbing signs in it.  This time, you also see the hut that we're aiming for (just to the left of the top yellow sign)

On the second day we decided to trek to Gornergrat.   Of all of the places that I've visited in Switzerland, this has to be one of the most spectacular.  Maybe it was made better by the fact that we had absolutely no idea what Gornergrat had to offer.  I selected this trail by looking at the map and selecting a destination that would have us climb up for approx 3 hours and cover approximately 1 kilometer of vertical altitude. 

How can you not love this mountain! (and this photo).  We came across this lake maybe an hour into our second hike.  The lake water was crystal clear.  Unfortunately, it was a hazzy day which is why the sky looks over exposed

I know, it's almost the same as the first photo but it's just such an incredible view

 I had no idea that the view from the top would be so stunning.  We were overlooking the second largest glacier in the Alps.  From one location we counted 7 different glaciers all merging into one massive one that snaked its way down the valley.  It wasn't until we got to the top that we learned that there is a train from the centre of Zermatt that takes you to the top.  The clouds rolled in over lunch so we didn't feel guilty boarding the train back to the centre of town.

This is the view from Gornergrat.  You almost have a panoramic view of multiple glacier that all merge to form the big one in the middle.  To the left you can see a small moraine lake.  Just beside it is one of Switzerland's newest mountain huts.  Sounds like destination for another time

As if I had died and gone to heaven, to my surprise, our hotel was hosting an autumn party (aka Oktoberfest) when we got back.  After a quick sauna to relieve the muscles we made quick work of multiple "masses" (1 litre glasses of beer), sausages and potato salad.  My Munich friends would have been proud!  Unfortunately, shortly after the festivities started, the rain started pouring down and didn't let up until we left Zermatt the next morning.  All in all, it was an incredible long weekend full of adrenaline, adventure and fond memories.  Can't wait to come back during the ski season!

Trekking in the Swiss National Park, Aug 2011

Growing up, people used to throw around the expression "just a walk in the park" implying that something was going to be easy or effortless.  Well, after spending a weekend in the Swiss National park, I can assure you that a walk there doesn't really support this notion!

This picture was taken looking into Italy on the way down from the summit on our last day in the Swiss National Park

The GF has long realized that I'm like a dog....if I don't get walked regularly I create havoc at home. So, she thoughtfully planned a trekking weekend to the Swiss National Park near Davos.  The plans were straight forward.  Drive down to Zernez on Friday and park the car.  Walk to a mountain hut for Friday evening, walk to the only hotel in the park for Saturday evening and then drive home on Sunday.  Just a walk in the park...right?

Although this was our first visit to the park, it was certainly NOT our first time walking in Switzerland so we should have known that there are really only two directions for walking...up and down.  We knew that it was only a short distance (approx 3 hrs) to the mountain hut but failed to appreciate that the first two hours were straight up and only the third one was down.  Normally, this would be welcomed with open enthusiasm but when carrying the entire kit for the weekend through a thunderstorm, it seemed more than what we had bargained for.

The next morning was fantastic!  The skies had cleared over night revealing stars like I've not seen before.  It was also the day that the GF learned the value of reading topographic maps.  You see, the hike she had planned for day two required us to climb up and over the mountain range.  Again, usually not a problem but this particular walk involved gnarly switch backs pretty much straight up from the doorstep of the hut.

I like this picture for two reasons.  The first is it is an example of the hours of switchbacks that we walked in the morning of day two.  The other reason is that you can see the trail from day one traversing across the mountain in the middle ground in the centre of the frame

I pretty much giggled to myself the whole way up because it was the first time that I could enjoy an uphill climb without feeling guilty because she had chosen it!  After a long, grueling ascent the view that awaited us in the pass was breath taking.

This photo was taken a few vertical metres from the top of the pass looking in the direction we were traveling.  The mountains in this part of Switzerland look like an uncomfortable cross between the Bernese Alps and the Dolomites

As we descended we got views of this stunning lake.  The colour was a strange milky turquoise that reminded me of glacier milk in Argentina

After a quick, steep descent into the neighbouring valley and another 4 hours of walking we arrived at the Hotel.  Fortunately, not only was the beer inexpensive (relatively) but the food was fantastic!

This photo was taken towards the end of the hike on Day 2 looking back in the direction from which we'd come.  In fact, we had climbed up and over this mountain passing through almost directly above the tip of the small tree in the middle of the frame

Sunday morning again greeted us with perfect conditions for trekking.  The decision had been made the night before to summit the mountain overlooking the hotel.  An early start and we quickly found ourselves walking up again.  However, this was probably the most enjoyable hike of my time here in Switzerland.  We were walking through one of the most beautiful larch forests I have ever seen.  It reminded me a lot of my ski season in Lake Louise.  Because of the early start, there was nobody else on the trail and so we were able to enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

The mountain in the background was the one that we had gone over the day before (almost directly above the house).  This is a rangers hut that we stumbled across just above the tree line on Sunday's walk

This monument greeted us at the summit.  We had an almost perfect morning to make this ascent.  We were extremely fortunate to have beaten the crowds giving us a few minutes alone to take it all in

It's pretty easy to understand how one can get lost in thought when looking down and across this scenery.  The lake here is in Italy with it's higher snow capped mountains in the distance

We made excellent time and were on the summit of the 2590m mountain shortly after 10 am.  The panoramic views of the Swiss/Italian alps were amazing.  After 3 years of trekking in Switzerland, it was here that, for the first time, we came across edelweiss in the wild....and yes, I couldn't help belting out a few prose of the song made famous by Christopher Plummer!

After years of looking we finally came across edelweiss in the wild.  Once above a certain altitude, the alpine meadows on the final day's walk were full of it.

Although this experience didn't support the idea that a walk in the park is something easy or to be taken lightly, it was some of the most enjoyable trekking that I've done in Switzerland.  As you can imagine, in a country that is 225 times smaller than Canada but with a population that is only 4.3 times less it's not easy to find true wilderness; however, this is exactly what the Swiss National Park provided.  It really is a special place to visit.

One to remember - Aletsch Glacier, Aug2011

The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss.  ~Thomas Carlyle

I came across this quotation the other day and it really struck a cord.  I'm not overly fussed with only having one kick at the can of life, but I am terrified that I won't make the most of it.  So, this past weekend, we decided to treat our visitors from Canada to the full Swiss experience!  In my opinion, you can't come to Switzerland without experiencing Swiss Mountain Hospitality, and you can't leave Switzerland without seeing the mighty Aletsch Glacier.

This photo was taken a few hundred vertical metres from the top looking back towards the valley.  The end of the glacier is visible to the right

Now, I must be getting old because the last two years had completely dulled my recollection of just how spectacular this glacier (and the surrounding area) is.  It wasn't until I rounded the corner and caught my first glimpse of this glacier that I was reminded just how fricking spectacular it is.  The glacier snakes it's way down from the top of Jungfraujoch and eventually ends some 23 kms down the valley; this makes it the longest and most voluminous slab of ice in the European Alps.  That's right Chamonix, eat your heart out!  

I couldn't resist taking this photo.  I know it's very stereotypical but I also thought it made a great photo.  The Aletsch glacier starts approximately 20 kms up the valley at Jungfraujoch

This year, unlike our previous visit to Bettmeralp, we decided to take the cable car to the top and walk down along the glacier.  Although I much prefer ascending, taking this hike from top to bottom actually offers you better views of the glacier and still makes for an enjoyable hike.  The first hour is spent descending down towards the glacier.  You spend a considerable amount of time climbing through the remains of an amazing rock slide.  All the while, what you thought was already a spectacular glacier just becomes that much more impressive.  From the top, the ice looks smooth an uniform but as you get closer, you begin to realize just how jagged the ice actually is.  For the truly adventurous, this first section of the hike can end with an up close and personal glacier experience!

Couldn't resist this one either.  As we descended closer to the glacier the deep blue ice colour and ragged surface became much more apparent

From there, after a short but steep ascent we treated ourselves to a nice apfleshorle and took the shortcut through the pedestrian tunnel.  This likely saved us 2 more hours of walking but also came at a costs.  We were not able to see the second glacier which isn't as big but still offers some spectacular scenery.  Another 2 hrs and we were back in Bettmeralp trying some of the local Weiss bier! (wheat beer)

One of the million beautiful views in Bettmeralp.  This chapel greets you as you arrive in town.

All in all, the Aletsch glacier is truly one of the most amazing experiences in Switzerland. It is only a three hour train ride (door to door) from Basel making it possible to visit here in a day (a long one!).  Now, what Swiss weekend experience would be complete without a little adrenaline?  For three years now I've been dying to ride a pimped up scooter down a mountain.  Fortunately, Bettmeralp offered me this opportunity.  Two of us rented these  scooters and made our way down from the top gondola station to the middle station in about 20 minutes.  It was by far, the best 6 francs I have ever spent!

So, if the tragedy of life is leaving stones unturned then at least i have a few less today then I did when this weekend started.

There is always time to goof around

Hospitality in a remote Swiss mountain hut - July 30th, 2011

They say that the world' largest migration takes place in the Serengeti when the large animal herds of Africa head north-south in pursuit of water and food.  I would argue that what takes place in Switzerland during the National Holiday long weekend probably rivals that!

August 1st is Switzerland's Birthday and naturally, the population takes to the mountains and Lakes in pursuit of a little rest and relaxation.  This year, we decided to do the same but with a little twist.  We had agreed to a trekking vacation to the Bernese Oberland region where we'd start in one location, stay in a remote mountain hut only accessible by foot, and finish in another.  I couldn't think of a better Adventure in Switzerland.

Saturday morning we boarded the train destined for Interlaken.  The plan was to ascend the mountain to First (pronounced "fear-st") and start the walk towards Schynige Platte.  Now, this is not the first time that I've done this trip, however, it was the first time that we'd planned to stay in a hut along the way.

The view of Lake Brienz and Interlaken from the ridge above at Schynige Platte

The first day was relatively straight forward.  Unfortunately, in all of the times that I've been to First, I've still yet to see this place in all of her glory.  There is an incredible view from here across an alpine meadow lake that is featured on the cover of many Swiss travel brochures and books, yet each time I'm here it is always covered in cloud.  Oh well, I guess that's as good an excuse as any to come back!  

We spent the first two hour trekking across and up to finally reach Faulhorn.  This is also a relatively remote mountain hut that is literally perched on the very tip of a mountain outcrop.  It's also the start of the World's longest winter sledge run which is an absolute must for this winter!

A short 1 hour trip beyond Faulhorn and we had arrived at the Mountain hut (Weber Hutte or Berghaus-Manndlenen)  Fortunately for us, minutes after we walked in the front door, the rain came teaming down.  

A shot of Weber Hutte take from the ledge above on the morning of Day 2.  You can see the path descending across to the right

The hut is a lovely place to spend an evening.  The night that we were there we shared the space with approximately 30 other trekkers.  The beer was flowing when we arrived, interrupted only by a delicious meal of racklette (A Swiss delicacy of melted cheese of boiled potato and pickles).  The dormitory living arrangements brought back memories of summer camp.  (Travellers hint - always pack earplugs as undoubtably you will run across a loud snorer!)

Day two was what made it all worth while.  Nothing in this world is a beautiful as watching the sunrise across the Bernese Alps on an absolutely clear and still morning.  A short walk before breakfast rewarded me with some stunning views.  After a quick breakfast we were back on the trail.  The second part of this walk is absolutely amazing.  

This was the view that greeted us on the morning of Day 2.  It's taken from the terrace at Weber Hutte looking West as the sun rises behind us

This shot was taken maybe 20 minutes into the hike on Day two.  It's the first view of Lake Brienz in the far distance.  The lake in the front is just a small alpine lake.  Just beyond the ridge in the front right is Axalp (see earlier posts)

You walk through a natural rock garden, traverse high alpine meadows bursting with wild flowers as Lake Brienz slowly reveals itself and finally you pop out at Schynige Platte.  

This place is one of my favourites in Switzerland (see earlier posts) because it offers panoramic views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains to one side and overlooks Lake Brienz on the other.  It really is one of the most spectacular views on earth (on a clear day)

One of the first views of the Eiger and Monch mountains.  Unfortunately, as we walked the clouds that were originally located in the valley began to ascend as the temperature rose, eventually completely erasing our views

One of the thousand views along the trail looking towards the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains.  I tried to capture the diversity of wild flowers in the foreground of this shot

A 1 hour descent from Schynige Platte on the cog train, a quick lunch in Interlaken and we were back on our way to Basel...just in time to watch the most incredible fireworks display I have ever seen.  (the Swiss love to throw a party!) Fortunately, returning on Sunday meant we missed the bulk of the return migration back from the countryside