Gimmelwald

To describe the beauty and the grandeur of the mountains in words is difficult. To capture their sheer size and the way that the sun glints off the snow-covered peaks is similarly challenging. Needless to say, the Alps this weekend really were spectacular, and it was a perfect, relaxing retreat to the mountains. We were able to hike all weekend, and discover several trails in the Schilthorn Mountain hiking/skiing basin.


Our hostel was set on the side of a cliff in the small 100-person town of Gimmelwald, Switzerland. The weather was perfect the entire time, and although most of the Alpine farm animals were in barns or on the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor far below, we still were able to see some ponies, sheep, and goats on our walks through Gimmelwald and neighboring village Murren. What we found out later is that the town faces three significantly tall (and well-known) mountains in the Alps (Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau), so that was cool too.

This was my favorite weekend so far, as I was able to spend quality time with dear friend Max Mean, explore the interior of some sweet ice caves, and enjoy the outdoors and breathtaking views. My favorite meal (I'm coming to find that I seem to mention something about a meal every post..) was a simple picnic of Swiss cheese, fresh baguette, apples, and trail mix. We were situated on a grassy hill warmed by the sun, and we were satisfied to simply bask in the heart of the mountains. For a time, we just watched helicopters fly by, counted the paragliders (and wished we were paragliding too), and talked in awe about the raw beauty and peacefulness of the place.

After this weekend, I now am hooked on Rooibos chai tea, looking for the next opportunity to jump off a cliff and paraglide, and trying to figure out when I can return to this mountain paradise, eat some more of Esther's fresh yogurt, and tally up shooting stars in the night sky.

Video one: Max found a PVC pipe and decided to play his own Alpenhorn song...
Video two: our picnic spot!

Max also has some pictures online also at http://picasaweb.google.com/maxwellmean/Switzerland?authkey=WaEvf1R3QYk
Check them out too!!!