Some people had asked us why we only planned a one week trip this time. On one hand it feels like it's gone by so quickly, yet on the other it feels as if we have been here for months. There is something in the air here, and something about the Swiss way of life. It truly feels like the land that time forgot, and it's an incredible feeling. This was exactly what we both had needed right now....we are re-charged and good to go again.
We decided on a hike in an area that we love to end our trip. After breakfast we took the cable car up to Grutschalp again and started our hike from there. We were headed to the Lobhornhutte - it's another small mountain hut where you can get food and drink, or spend the night.
The trail starts in the forest, slowly working its way up
There is always time to goof around
Every once in a while you get an opening in the trees and can see out into the valley below
If I was a toad, or a Cheshire Cat, there were lots of places to sit
After climbing for a while we spotted our destination through an opening in the trees. Look way up...the Lobhornhutte sits on the very edge of the saddle that Jo is pointing to. The only thing is that we have to finish going up the trail we are on, then descend down into another valley, before climbing up to the hut
Onwards and upwards
We heard a funny sound ahead of us on the trail and were very fortunate to spot a small Steinbock (a.k.a. Alpine Ibex). It's not usual to see them down this low as they prefer the alpine region. And it was nice enough to pose for us
We ascended a little further then dropped down into a beautiful meadow that lead us into an amazing valley
We stopped for a moment to admire the river that flows through the valley, ultimately becoming one of the many waterfalls much further below
No time to waste...it's time to climb again. We need to get up to the bottom of that rock wall and then make our way around the end of that big buttress. That would lead us to the valley where the mountain hut is
Just like our hike to a mountain hotel a few days ago, the views got more spectacular the higher we went
As we rounded the end of the buttress, Jo spotted our destination....still a long way to go. Can you see it perched on the edge?
After some more climbing we emerged into the valley which lies just below the mountain hut. It's a very scenic place. There is another lovely mountain stream, and a farm displaying their prize bells from years gone by. You can buy cheese and other goodies at almost any farm you come across in the hills
A bit more climbing and we arrived in what we call the Hobbit's playground. Amazing rock formations as far as the eye can see. It's a great place to explore and spend some time
And then, our final destination appeared. It's not a million dollar view up here.....it's a bajillion dollar view! We were surprised by how many people were up here today, although there is a much easier and shorter route than the one we took
Of course we had to do our part to support to local economy, so we dined on cold beer and a vegetable and barley soup. We were also fortunate enough to have the very best table in the house
Before heading out we needed to visit the facilities.....I dare anyone to find an outhouse with a better view than this!
Before heading down I stood near the edge to take a short video of the view. It's something you have to experience in person to understand how amazing it really is
We checked out the mountain huts outdoor spa before starting down again
Many more spectacular scenes on the descent
We took a different route back to the cable car station and discovered another great trail on our way down. As had been the case throughout the trip we arrived at the cable car station just as it was pulling in and getting ready to load. Arriving back in town we headed back to our place for a well earned rest and a shower.
After relaxing for a bit we went out for a little bit of a walk and had our final supper. After a week of spectacular weather, we heard the first claps of thunder, and the rain started to fall just as we walked back to our place. Thunderstorms are amazing in the valley! It's like it wanted to see us off. And we realize how lucky we got with the weather as the forecast is calling for rain for the next week.....and rain in the valley equals snow up in the alpine.
Tomorrow morning we tear ourselves away from this magical place and take the train to Geneva. We will explore in the afternoon and evening and then get on an early flight Monday morning.
So long from the Lauterbrunnen Valley!
