A Snowy Swiss Spring

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It was rainy for the entire month of May in Switzerland, so we really couldn't complain about the 2 days of bad weather when we arrived. By the third day, the rain stopped, the sun came out, the sky turned blue, and the weather turned gorgeous. All that rain translates into snow in the mountains and we saw the most snow that we have ever seen in June. The locals were telling us that it is the most snow they have seen in 30 years. Our favorite trails were closed, but the restaurants were open and the view points at the top of the lift stations provided some spectacular views of the snowy peaks. We enjoyed the views, the great hot chocolate, the lack of tourists, and had some great wildlife sightings. The best was the very large fox that was crossing a snow field below our gondola as we were leaving First (the name of one of the high peaks). The lower trails are open and the boats are running on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. So all is good.

Our disappointing news is the situation in Turkey. We have been watching the news and feel it is a bit risky to enter the country at this time. So once again, Cappadocia is cancelled. We will head to the Greek Islands a week early and play it safe.

'Til then, we'll be playing in the snow in the high peaks.

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Photos

Mannlichen
Tons of snow, closed trails, great hot chocolate, few tourists, and beautiful views.

Mannlichen
Too much snow for us

Mannlichen
We won' be doing the Panorama Trail either.

Mannlichen
The start of the Panorama Trail in 2 feet of snow

Mannlichen
If you can't hike, then shop. Ron bought me a Mammot fleece.

Mannlichen
Having fun on a snowy day is our game

Mannlichen
Our favorite view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley

First
It was a cold and cloudy day on top of First

First
Ron and the cloudy, snowy peaks.

First
So much for the hike on the Marmot Trail

First
Guess we won't be doing the Waldspitz Trail either

First
There's a fox by the cable tower, really there is!!

Gimmelwald
At least Gimmelwald was open and it was lovely

Gimmelwald
Snowy peaks, wild flowers, and stalking cats.

Lake Thun
Showing off my new Mammot fleece

Lake Thun
Enjoying the day on the lake

Fondue dinner
Beating the high cost of Swiss restaurants by having fondue in our cozy Swiss flat.

Comments

[Jim Duerst]

Ron & Pam, Pleased to hear from you and that all is well. Beautiful pictures. Can't believe how much snow!! Enjoy your travels. Take Care. Jim

[Melissa Harmon]

Turkey
Our fellow Wallenpaupacker, Mary Adams, just came back from a recruiting trip for Penn State. She works in the admissions office for international students, just returned from Istanbul, and said not a syllable about trouble. Just sayin' . . . anyway, have a wonderful time wherever you wind up. Why not come to sunny SoCal instead. We have a nice guest room!

[SandraBrown]

DearLoved Ones
Relieved that you did not go to Turkey..We have been watching news too. Pic's are beautiful, thinking of you....soooo jealous. Ha.

[Valerie]

Looks cold but beautiful
As always your travels fascinate all of us. Your blog is so interesting we all envy your varied long trips.

[Mel Deeds]

Brrrrr......but stunning! Enjoy, love Mel

[D MJ Binkley]

Great blog!
We hope to go to Switzerland in September. Love the photos.

[RON THE DUDE]

VELLLLLLLY INTELLLLLLLESSSTING!!! NICE WORK!!!!
DO YOU HAVE SOME 360 PHOTOS??

[Dorothy]

Little flowers ...big mountain
I absolutely LOVE ADORE REJOICE IN THIS PHOTO. WOW