Start or end of Rhône?

Hidden away at the crossing of the Furka, Gothard, Oberalp, Neufennen, Susten passes is the start of the mighty Rhône River that travels all the way to Marseilles. At the same time it is the end of what was once the begining of the once upon a time mighty Rhône Glacier that travelled all the way to Lyon.

The strength and power of this area is overwhelming, and impossible to ignore. After all, Switzerland & France would not be as we know them had they not existed.
The feeling here is emotional as one wanders around realising how time & geology & evolution proceed.

Definitely a place to visit. I plan to organise some multi day walks starting in the Goms valley through here to Andermatt to Chur in the Grisons. Cannot wait!

Walking was never so easy!

 

Just standing on the val de Bagnes!

Rapperswil

It was a good thing we went to visit the old town of Rapperswil. The big clock on the medieval church reminded me that not only was tomorrow Halloween and spooky, but that the clocks were changing to winter time! A very beautiful place on the Zurich lake. Sometimes we forget to stop in places and just drive past them. I cannot wait to come back here when it is warmer and check out their rose gardens. They plant over 16'000 roses and have about 600 different types!

Grindelwald pass-time

I was so psyched! I took the kids to a curling class! I would describe this sport as the equivalent of pétanque, bowling, archery and house cleaning on ice rinks. You have to sliiiiide the rock to the center of the bull's eye. Certainly don't try to pick it up, as it weighs more than most people! And you definitely do not want to break one, as it will cost you CHF 700.- to pay for a new one. This is serious business! Oh and it is slippery and cold too! I recommend this to anyone who has the time to try it. The kids actually did not look at their phones or games for the hour we spent here (well, maybe there was no wifi connection on the rink!?!)

Kleine Scheidegg

From Lauterbrunnen we rode the train up to Wengen and on up to the Kleine Scheidegg to be overpowered by the North Face of the Eiger. Wow! It really is impressive! I was looking for the 'window' where climbers go. I only saw it once we were on the Grindelwald side. The Monch & Jungfrau were looking gorgeous too wearing a fresh layer of snow.
There was lots of fresh snow here. But we still went for a wander and made a cute snowman. The weather was cloudy at first, but cleared up. Interestingly enough it stayed clear until we boarded the train to descend to Grindelwald.
I am not sure if the dog drank what is in her barrel or if the tourists just tired her out with all their petting and photo taking! This part of Switzerland is on its off-season at the moment, getting ready to rock n' roll for winter, so travelling around at this time of year is a bit tricky sometimes. Regardless, there were lots of people around.

tiny spring flowers

Keep your eyes open, little sparkles are popping out everywhere!

Tour Soleil

Started off in HOT weather from Realp (Andermatt)

Ended up in a deserted capana in the Tessin near All Aqua (Airolo)
Where we hung out during the white out & snow storm (1.5m fell in 4 days)!

Let me tell you about the wild men I found after the powder descent! Aiiayaayyaaa!

Schwytz Muotathal

Absolutely fantastic 2 days in remote central Switzerland, with turquoise blue finger lakes and snow covered mountains. A dream for hiking, biking, or just gaping at the views! Breathtaking!