Day 9 -Adelboden

This was out my window last night.

Today was listed as a rest day on my itinerary so I took advantage of that and made my own side trip. I went to Engstligenalp and hiked a loop trail around the Engstligen Falls which are the second longest falls in Switzerland. It’s the only hike I’ve taken without the presence of rain or fog since I arrived! I took the cable car up to Engstligenalp to start the hike saving myself an 1800 ft ascent.

To give you an idea of how high up I was look at the position of the glacier in the picture from my room to the position of it from the plateau of Engstligenalp.

The meadows of the plateau house an extensive dairy operation. Before I could board the cable car, they had to unload huge wheels of cheese being taken down to Adelboden.

Kase is German for cheese

These are two of the floral arrangements to be worn on the cows’ heads on Saturday when the big drive, Alpabzug takes place. The town is preparing for the festivities. I wish I could be here for that. So grateful I got a little taste of it yesterday.

This was my first view of the falls.

That’s the town of Adelboden far below. See why I took the cable car?

The falls

I noticed this spotlight directed towards the falls. I’m guessing they illuminate them some nights. Imagine it’s spectacular.

The start of the lower falls

Had an out of this world savory cheese quiche before heading back down to Adelboden

On the bus back to Adelboden I fell into conversation with a German woman who was interested in my trip. Her English wasn’t bad and with gestures, pictures, maps, and pantomimes we had a very pleasant time. She got off the bus first and she turned to me and smiled, and said, “Good moments” I love that!! Isn’t that just a perfect farewell to someone you’ve just met?

I finished the afternoon with a much needed nap, listening to the rain through my open balcony doors.