Day10 - September 5

Adelboden to Lenk

The route

My hotel

Going to sleep last night with the windows open listening to a thunderstorm was quite cozy. Waking up to pouring rain, fog, AND cold was not. Fortunately today’s route had options so I was not forced to hike in the miserable weather. I took a cable car part of the way, stopping for some delicious hot chocolate at an alpine restaurant. Perfect for today’s weather.

Nope

This is a huge ski area. Notice the holders for ski poles and such.

As my dear old dad used to say, “I’m just waiting for the bus.” This is the point that today’s adventure chose me.

The weather was supposed to clear and be nice so I was hoping to get some hiking in. Instead it got colder and rained even more. The bus I planned to take into Lenk drove right past me at the bus stop without even slowing down. It was going to be 2 more hours till the next bus. Plan B needed. Traveling by a cable car, then a bus, then a train switching trains twice I made it to my hotel without getting lost or upset. Most of you know I have a difficult time finding my way out of a paper bag so I am as proud of this accomplishment as I am of crossing two very high alpine passes. I’m not kidding! Credit should be given to the SBB mobile app which has clear concise information on using trains and buses.

My trip to Lenk was quite interesting and I saw things I wouldn’t have seen hiking. The area is different from what I have been seeing. Lenk is at a much lower elevation than the other towns I’ve stayed in. The mountains don’t seem as big. The towns are more populated and cows have been largely replaced by the lumber industry. And the few cows I’ve seen were not wearing bells! Shocking!

About those cowbells. They are a thing!

And they have their own special sounds Who knew?

My hotel accommodations and meals have been superb.

All the beds are like this with a duvet, no sheets. Not a fan. I get too hot and then don’t sleep well.

Views from my room

Something I have found interesting is that all my balconies and all the outdoor cafe tables have ashtrays. But I have only seen one smoker the entire time.

Since I missed out on hiking today I took a long walk around Lenk. Here’s what I found

When I first arrived

Later

Hilarious sculpture outside a window

so many beautiful gardens

I encountered another challenge at dinner. Tonight my meal was not included and so I could order from the menu. The menu that had French and German only. I was able to handle the French pretty well even though it’s been 50 years! I am finding the language barrier somewhat frustrating. One of the only things I’d do differently is to take a basic German class for travelers.

Tomorrow is my last “official hike” before I begin my sightseeing adventure by rail on Monday? The weather is forecast to be perfect and the hike is manageable. I’m really looking forward to it.

One last view from my balcony