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Published: June 11th 2017
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Saanen Bahnhof
Of course the logo for Saanenland should be a Saanen Goat and here it is at the Bahnhof for all passengers to see. Our apartment owner's grandson turned up this morning to fix the internet. Yes, he did know what he was doing and yes the router was kaput. He took it away and added another network to the owners main network. What a nice young man he was too. He had spent time in NZ learning English and working on a property near Mt Maunganui. He and his girlfriend are coming to NZ in December for a few weeks so he's been invited to park his camper at our place if he wishes if passing through New Plymouth.
After filling in the morning planning our next few days for hiking on not too difficult trails we drove down to Saanen and parked near the Bahnhof. It is a hot day with temperatures of 28 degrees so we figured that somewhere with a bit of shade was in order. We took the path along the river to Gstaad, stopping along the way to admire the scenery all around. This area is picture postcard Switzerland with chalets dotted all around the valley. This is Saanenland with the goat as it's logo but there weren't that many goats to be seen. The simmental cows are
View over Saanen-Gstaad Valley
This is our panoramic view over the valley taken from the apartment. renowned in this area too but they are not to be seen either as we would expect to see them up in the high pastures at this time of year. In the valley farmers are busy cutting, teddering and baling hay, It is perfect weather for haymaking with it being hot with a wind in the afternoon to dry it all. We cannot believe the steepness of the slopes they are operating machinery on. Some of it is done by hand but some with machines with wide spiked wheels on 45 degree slopes. Everything is so neat and tidy around the farms - no junk, all the same colour and weedless. It's a joy to my tidy eyes.
Back in Saanen we checked out the town which of course was mostly shut apart from the odd hotel and bar, it being Sunday. Even the toilet at the Bahnhof was shut!! It is a lovely little town with a few things worth visiting over the week especially if we strike some bad weather. So far today, the oil light has not come on in the car but we will follow up again tomorrow as there is a Europcar office in the Bahnhof.
Throughout the valley are numerous walking and biking trails. We saw many cyclists and it seems that you could bike the whole of Switzerland on designated cycle trails. They are everywhere and completely off road. Most along the valley were sealed with hot mix with occasional gravel areas. Outdoor activities are well catered for, for skiing, cross country, walking, cycling and horse riding. There is a huge sports centre in Gstaad with indoor tennis courts and swimming pool. It will be a real mecca once the high season kicks in.
Our day finished at wine o'clock with snacks in the sun.
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