Geo: 46.595, 7.90749Today was my first day back after my knee injury. Crutch and walking stick in hand....I will be the first grandmother to do the grandmother walk with crutches; but, I'm determined. We took the train from Kandersteg, changed trains a couple of times (not easy in crutches) and finally ended up in Lauterbrunnen. We took the little mountain train up to Wengen and enjoyed great valley and waterfall views. In Wengen, we purchased a picnic lunch at the Co-op grocery across the square from the station. We then took a cable car up to the summit and began our hike of approx. 2 1/2 miles of the Jungfrau Region. Expansive, breathtaking views and snow capped mountains. We stopped and had our picnic lunch before continuing on to the mountain train that would take us ... read more

Geo: 46.5005, 7.67695While the group left for the walled city and the next adventure, the hotel took Bob and I to the local doctor, a nice looking man in black leather pants; but, I digress. After examining my knee, he decided nothing was broken, probably a stretched ligament. He gave me a knee brace, which felt wonderful and crutches. Also pain medication and ointment. I am to go back tomorrow morning to see how it is (and to pay) Back at the hotel, after several hours of feeling sorry for myself, we decided to try out the leg brace and crutches and pain mends and walk to the gondolas. It was such a beautiful day. I made it, very slowly. What a view at the top. I have a few pictures. There were sheep with bells ... read more

Geo: 46.0193, 7.74603Rick Steves says there's just something about that Matterhorn, the most recognizable mountain on the planet. Anyone who says, "You've seen one mountain, you've seen them all" hasn't laid eyes on this pointy, craggy peak. The Matterhorn seems to have a nearly mystical draw for people--it's the Stonehenge of Switzerland.There's also a town. The town of Zermatt, at an elevation of 5,265 feet lies at the end of the valley called the Nikolaital, along the Matter Vispa River in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn (14,690 feet). Zermatt bans traffic within the city limits; but, there are electric cars (resembling big golf carts) that buzz around the streets half of which are owned by the hotels who use them to shuttle guests and luggage and the other half are taxis.Today, we climbed the Matterhorn ... read more

Geo: 46.4947, 7.67326 Why Switzerland? This land locked fiercely independent country surrounded by Germany, Austria, France and Italy offers the best of all worlds not to mention a healthy dose of chocolate, cowbells and cable cars. We have visited this beautiful country several times; but never for two weeks staying in one spot and really, really absorbing the culture. After a very long plane ride and a two hour bus trip from Zurick, we arrive in Kandersteg. A village that is so beautiful and quaint you feel like you are walking through a story book. Everything you expect from Switzerland and more. Rolling green hills, cows with bells, glacier rivers, beautiful mountains and swiss chalets. It was definitely worth the long trip! We arrived at our hotel, Alfa Soleil around noon. Lunch on the patio begins ... read more