Sunny Murren & the Top of the WorldThe fog lifted. After two straight days of cloudy skies and poor visibility, most of our tour group seemed to have become resigned to the fact that they might never see the Alps in all their glory. When we awoke for our final day in Murren, we looked out the window to see the full majesty of the mountains around us. At breakfast, no one could stop smiling. For most, this was the literal and figurative high point of our 14 day journey across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Our favorite thing: the view - almost every direction we looked |
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What A Difference A Day MakesJody and Elyse bolted down breakfast (at least by their standards of slow eating) so they could have some time to enjoy Murren in the early morning under clear blue skies. While local residents probably get used to spectacular views on many days, we were thankful that our last day afforded an opportunity to experience the mountains around Murren - one of the most scenic sections of the Alps.
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Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Jody & the Grievous Gondola Ride
ACROPHOBIA
One in ten people suffer from this unnatural fear of heights. As one of this elite group, the journey to the top of the Shilthorn aboard a gondola suspended from a wire seems quite perilous or just plain crazy.
A trip to Switzerland would not be complete without a trip to the Alps and a trip to the Alps necessitates a trip to the top of the highest mountain. In order to enjoy my trip to the fullest, I must get outside my comfort zone and ride in a car precariously suspended high over the valley by a steel cable. Each trip up the mountain, I attempted to confront my fear and stand a little closer to the window and peer over the countryside a bit more. By the morning of the second day, I was ready to stand by the window and watch the village shrink behind me and look deep into the beautiful valley below. I felt almost at ease looking down upon the tiny, fuzzy specks at the bottom of the valley that were actually a farmer's sheep. The top of the Shilthorn was probably my favorite experience of the trip. The Alps - where little cable cars, reach all the way to the stars!
One in ten people suffer from this unnatural fear of heights. As one of this elite group, the journey to the top of the Shilthorn aboard a gondola suspended from a wire seems quite perilous or just plain crazy.
A trip to Switzerland would not be complete without a trip to the Alps and a trip to the Alps necessitates a trip to the top of the highest mountain. In order to enjoy my trip to the fullest, I must get outside my comfort zone and ride in a car precariously suspended high over the valley by a steel cable. Each trip up the mountain, I attempted to confront my fear and stand a little closer to the window and peer over the countryside a bit more. By the morning of the second day, I was ready to stand by the window and watch the village shrink behind me and look deep into the beautiful valley below. I felt almost at ease looking down upon the tiny, fuzzy specks at the bottom of the valley that were actually a farmer's sheep. The top of the Shilthorn was probably my favorite experience of the trip. The Alps - where little cable cars, reach all the way to the stars!
The Top of the World, or at Least That's What It Felt LikeThroughout our travels, we found time and again that the early risers got the best views. When we disembarked the latter of two cable cars we took to get to the top of the Schilthorn, we stepped out onto a nearly empty platform with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The few clouds drifting by accented the snowy peaks and lush green valleys. At 9,744 feet above sea level, the Schilthorn is among the highest points in Europe and a breathtaking example of the wonders of nature. The daredevils in our group (including us) hiked out to a separate viewing platform even more immersed in the Alps. Along the way, we built a small snowman in the icy mountain snow. As the late morning clouds started to roll in, we went to a revolving restaurant for hot chocolate - the perfect end to a spectacular morning.
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The Hills are Alive and so am ICan't you hear Julie Andrews trilling over the mountains as I twirl in the Alps? The Swiss Alps were everything we imagined they would be - they were picturesque, dotted with sheep, scattered with clumps of wild-growing edelweiss, and a revelation that an Alp is not a mountain - it is a meadow where locals take their cows to graze in the summer.
Most of our tour group elected to ride the funicular into the mountains for a brisk walk. Donald gave us the lay of the land, pointing out various mountains in the distance and then took us on a wildflower walk where we learned that there are multiple varieties of edelweiss. We then made choices for our route back into Murren. Rick, Elyse, and I accompanied our new friends Paul and Shirley along a moderately rigorous path. The winding path took us through farmers fields where we did our best to dance around the cow patties. Part way along the trip, we found a bench overlooking the snow-dusted mountains and shared a picnic lunch. We enjoyed getting to know Paul and Shirley better while viewing some of the most beautiful scenery from our trip. |
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Justin & the Way of IronAs my mother’s son, I myself am not overly fond of heights. Unlike my mother however, I love climbing! Usually I solve this paradox by bouldering, a subset of rock climbing that focuses on short, but intense routes that never exceed about 10 feet in height. Fortunately for me, the promise of stunning views and the brisk Swiss air lured me to Murren Via Ferrata (Italian for “Murren By Iron”), a “hiking” trail that descends from Murren to Gimmelwald. The trail is defined by an unbroken set of steel cables stretching for a little over a mile. After donning a harness you attach yourself to the reassuringly thick cable with two carabiners, thereby gaining a feeling of safety and security. That feeling does not last long. Most of the route is a hairsbreadth away from a 2000 foot drop to the valley floor. Following the cable you immediately begin a series of gravity-defying maneuvers: descending ladders that have been tipped past vertical, traversing shear rock faces using disconcertingly wobbly iron staples, and crossing ultra-minimalist bridges spanning roaring waterfalls. It is a thrilling adventure showcasing some of the best views of the Swiss alps, but you must pay the iron price: it is not for the faint of heart. Hence, after three hours on the trail, I reached the end of the cable and unclipped with a sigh of satisfaction mixed with relief and exhaustion.
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Horsing Around with an Alp Horn
Following an exciting day of hiking some of the highest points in Europe, our tour guide Donald treated us to some traditional Swiss music for Paula's and Deborah's birthday. We got the great privilege of singing "Happy Birthday" while accompanied by an alp horn and accordion. Because alp horns were invented to aid in long distance communication, the concert took place outside to take advantage of the natural echo produced by the mountains. We heard traditional Swiss songs played on one of the longest alp horns made. A few of us even got to try our hand (and lips) at alp horn. Kevin, Elyse and Justin weren't naturals; it was pretty challenging to play such a large wind instrument and all the sounds had to be made using the shape of your lips. But it was neat to try. Then, we followed our accordionist in a conga line into the hotel dining room where a Swiss barbecue was set up with pork, sausages, chicken and salmon.