Day 7 - September 2

One of my better decisions was to overnight at Blumlisalphutte at the top of Hohturli pass (over 9,000 ft!) last night. After posting my blog, the sun came out briefly

The sun didn’t stay long and in a matter of minutes it began to snow. To be safe and snug in a hut was an enormous relief. My experience there will be a favorite memory of my trip. Think of summer camp without the singing and bonfires. Our dinner was provided though I can’t tell you what it was. It was hot and filling and the company at my table was quite enjoyable (assigned seats) After dinner we stayed at the table and shared travel experiences and life philosophies. One couple was from Switzerland, one from Hawaii, one from Canada, and one from the Netherlands. Of course they were all young so I especially enjoyed their outlooks. I was assigned a (top) bunk with a sleeping bag, liner and pillow in a room about 8 other people. There was some giggling between 3 grown men at lights out but they soon settled down and it was a surprisingly quiet night.

We were served standard European breakfast fare but treated to a sunrise over the mountains that took my breath away.

Baby, it’s cold outside

This was the boot and drying room. They had shelves of Crocs of all sizes to put on.

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to stay in an alpine hut. My new friends said it was one of the nicest they have ever been in and then told funny hut stories. If I was 30 -40 years younger I think hut to hut hiking would be really cool. At my age, I’m grateful I could try one night.

Starting today’s hike was a bit dicey with the ice and snow but it didn’t last long. Guess what came next? If you said fog and rain, you are correct. I am really sick of it. Thank goodness I catch occasional bouts of sunshine or see something really cool to lift my spirits. For example,

This guy caught my eye when I looked up to see if there was a break in the clouds. He stood guard on his mountain and just watched over me. He’s a chamois.

Zoom in and look at his twisty horns

See how high up he was!

And then there was Mr. Ibex.

I feel so fortunate to have seen these regal animals.

I continued hiking downhill through rain and fog paying close attention to my footing on the slick rocks (there is actually a German word for that).

Lots of flowers including edelweiss. I had to sing the song for my dear friend Cindy. It was “our song”. I hope she and my mom provided the harmony as we used to do.

Barns and farmhouses along the way.

And then I looked up from the rain and

saw my first look at Lake Oeschinensee, purported to be the prettiest lake in Switzerland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Believe it or not the sun came out for about 30 minutes as I hiked around the lake but first I had to hike down to it.

I’d like to sit on that bench but . . .

I thought this was so interesting

I took the cable car down from the lake to Kandersteg where I’m staying tonight.

My hotel

View from my room

Dinner is included many nights during my trip. This was tonight’s table. Why didn’t I pay attention to table place settings in 7th grade home ec?

The menu

First course - delicious

Second course also delicious

Main course - excellent but I just couldn’t finish.

The sweet mmmm

The view from the window at my table

It’s been a full day. Hiked 9 miles downhill, but I started at over 9,000 feet. Time for bed!