Blogs from Grimentz, South-West, Switzerland, Europe

Motorhome News from Switzerland. Part I 29th August 2013 Dam, Dam, Dam! ........and we're jumping through hoops. As sunflowers droop their heads in sorrow at the passing of another summer and leaves of poplar turn to gold, and autumn sunshine lights fields of maize on rolling hills, the grey haired nomads dawdle the country lanes of France and Switzerland once more in search of memories and enlightenment. Memories of bright red geraniums in window boxes, snow-capped peaks and crystal air, rippling streams and bright green meadows teeming with wildflowers, brown cows and cream, cheese and chocolate, neatly stacked logs for winter comfort and alpine chalets with shingle roofs. That was ten years ago. That was Switzerland. Switzerland, a country much spared from the ravages of World War II. A country sworn to neutrality and still to ... read more

As I sit here this evening listening to soft classical musical, I am looking at the Swiss Alps topped with clouds that bring the rain that makes the flowers here so lovely. Fortunately, it did not rain all day. Again today we hiked in the mountains, from the town of Zinal to the Petit Mountet. Zinal is nestled amidst a majestic mountain landscape that includes the Weisshorn, which at 4506 meters is the fourth highest peak in Europe. The old village of Zinal consists of a number of chalets built of Swiss pine. At one time, the village subsisted on a nearby copper mine. Today, the area is a mecca for tourists who wander the 300 kms. of hiking trails, some of which families enjoy; others of which require mountain guides as they head over peaks ... read more

Eat your hearts out because when you see these pictures you will wish you were here. Today we hiked up into the Alps, into the Val d’Anniviers to the Moiry Glacier. This glacier is now 5 km long and situated in the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. In 1973, it had an area of 5.75 km. Obviously, like other glaciers around the world, this one is shrinking. This area attracts both summer tourists, for the hiking, and winter tourists, for the skiing, both downhill and cross country. There are also 120 kms. of snowshoe trails open in the winter and 15 kms. of tobagganing trails. I believe that some major ski, etc. competitions are held here frequently. We started the hike from just below the Barrage du Moiry, the Moiry Dam, which ... read more