The sun catches the peak of The Eiger, a wonderful moment. (If we had a den, we'd frame the picture.)
One of the most beautiful spots in Grindelwald, Fiescherhorner
Returning after discovering too much snow tumbling down the mountain; Eiger Glacier separates us
Life is a collection of trade-offs. You want to go hiking at high altitudes, then forego the beauty
of snow-covered mountains. "But Mommy, can't we have both." 'No, Jeffrey, it doesn't work that way.
Now take a hike.' Sometimes when we make a point we tend to knock the recipient over the head. Sorry
for that. Funnily enough, as much as we like, actually love mountains, when you remove the snow, some
can be quite drab. Mind you, not all. However, hiking and climbing them is never dull.
Jenni overlooking the town on way down from Baregg
An awfully wonderful place. In a way, (nearly) lucky to have had so much snow.
It was just yesterday that the locals were commiserating with us over the bad weather. When we saw the
sun break through early this morning, we hit the trails. Unfortunately, the presence of sun does not
mean clearing of the ground for access to high elevations, immediately. Off we went to Pfingstegg, a
cable station and restaurant. To get there, we left our house, walked down steeply beyond the village
only to have to climb another 1,600 feet through a forest. This is one of the few trails that has the
wilderness feel to it. We then continued towards Baregg for a climb of a further 500 feet (our elevation
gain). Unfortunately, the trail was closed but the sign did not indicate why. At first, our thought was
because of heavy snow on the trail. We were naughty again and climbed the gate.
Wetterhorn contrasted with grass not snow-covered, for a change
Shreckhorn looks a complete mountain at level below top; looking further up, the peak twists
through the clouds
Jenni on trail in front of Fiescherhorner. The Eiger across the way, glacier between. Note the trail hugs
the edge much of the way.
Why, we don't know but there was an eerie feeling walking alongside the eastern side of the Eiger with
Fensteraarhorn at rear and Fiescherhorner in front. Maybe because we were outside the law but our sixth sense
was active. By the way, they are truly magnificent sights, especially the latter two. After a while,
we noticed large blocks of stone and rocks on the trail, obviously having rolled down the mountain.
Thereafter, a number of snowballs hurtled down towards us. At that stage, we understood the hazard
was not snow on the ground but the threat from above. Reluctantly, we made the turn. We are enjoying
the beauty enhanced by snow immensely but unfortunately, are being hindered in reaching altitude.
Nevertheless, we have enjoyed incredible experiences at the higher altitudes before today and since.
Notice various snow falls, small avalanches coming down the Eiger (front and middle)
Another picture of our favorite. The snow began melting soon after, changing the look.
Surrounding giants across the way
When we returned from the Baregg trail, we stopped in at Pfingstegg for tea, some 1,600 feet
above the town. We met an English couple who went on to tell us of their experiences in a 'narrow boat'.
It almost sounds like a love story but is nothing of the sort. Essentially, the canal system of England
has a width of seven feet thus only permitting narrow boats to ply the waters. They own one of these vessels
which they use to explore the country. It was an interesting discussion on a number of topics in an easy
language, English. Their point was that they purchased the boat after Robert narrowly escaped death—carpe diem.
Sitting very high above the town and looking into it with the captivating surrounding mountains did not
make it any less pleasing.
Schreckfeld peak 'toys' with clouds, can't get enough of these guys
On our return, down the always steep and very steep mountain trails, we picked up provisions at the
store. With backpacks overfilled, we had one of the toughest walks ever. Up acute inclines, weighed
down by Jenni's cokes and tired from the earlier climbs, we struggled back home, nearly another
250 feet up at the day's end. The accumulated elevation gain was 2,300 feet, the least of three days but felt
greater. That we do this for pleasure makes us wonder, sometimes.
Ebony and Ivory in one package
Milk delivered fresh, 'poured' while you wait, a Swiss drive by. In fact, so fresh, you get a bucket of dung with it.
The team just passed 'our house'. We occupy the ground floor so in theory it's possible to 'pull the lever' oneself.
Just one more before we let you go.
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