24-JUL-2018
Alpine Flowers everywhere and some for our Ferden chalet
I love the flowers and know, in Australia, one should never pick wild flowers..... the saying is "Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints". But, here there are so many field flowers which are being cut along with all the grasses, obviously as winter fodder to be stored in the log huts which are everywhere.
Just one bunch was so tempting. No more!
22-JUL-2018
Hotel Nest - Und Bietschhorn
One day, after a long walk from Ferden, across fields and slopes, we reached this hotel at Ried just in time for a delightful lunch on the terrace. There were stunning views across to the Bietschhorn mountain.
22-JUL-2018
Walking back from lunch at Ried {PG}
We decided to walk from Wiler to Blatten, across the walking paths, but when we reached Ried, a VERY small hamlet just before Blatten, we found the Hotel Nest-und Bietschhorn. It was so tempting to stop there for a lunch high on the front terrace, with stunning views across the valley and mountains to the Bietschhorn itself. Gourmet food, 5 star service and a pleasant rest. Afterwards, we started our walk back to Wiler and thought to leave Blatten for another day.
30-JUL-2018
Setting out from Fafleralp to walk to Grundsee
At Fafleralp there are cars and campers from all over Europe, as well as the many from Switzerland. This is not surprising because the surrounding snow patched mountains and glacial rivers are absolutely stunning. Summer holidays are ideal for serious long distance walkers and more leisurely visitors and family groups to enjoy the many trails offered from the base car-parking and amenities area. Here, camping is also permitted. Fat, happy cows graze in lush pastures beside the wide Lonza River or on hillsides just above.
After a typically Swiss lunch on wooden platters, a choice from the open air cafe, we set out on short walk up the valley and mountains to Grundsee, a glacial lake.
26-JUL-2018
Almost at Grundsee
There have been many walkers along the track to Grundsee, but not over crowded at all. A few mountain bikers pass in each direction, family groups walk together, often with a baby in a carrier or sling and toddlers gambolling beside. We have been impressed with the fit, elderly and obviously well experienced walkers who greet us along the way.
Finally, the glacier and lake are in sight!
26-JUL-2018
Grundsee at Last
So lovely to arrive at this spectacular lake. People were just sitting and relaxing on the grassy hills behind this image. Many, like Philip, just had to go fiurther to that patch of snow to see it closely. The actual glacier is higher above. Philip could not touch the snow as it was beyond a rushing river.
Back at the lake, some little girls in swimsuits were deliecatley trying the icy clear water. A mother stripped down to her two piece and ducked in, declaring "This is so good for the blood!" Philip went paddling...... and filled our water bottle with the most clean clear water. Otherwise, most just admired the view and relaxed.
I did see a couple with a dog walk to the far side and throw a stick for avery happy dog to fetch!
26-JUL-2018
A Closer Look
Some people had to get very close to the snow. Others were content to watch from the grassy banks.
26-JUL-2018
Setting Off Back to Base
This walk ended at Grundsee and after relaxing around the beautiful icy lake for some time it was time to set off back the way we came. Philip has filled our water bottle with clear glacial water and is leading the way back. Many people are still coming up the track. One sight seen while at the lake was a helicopter high against the mountains, making what seemed several trips back and forth. At one stage it seemed to be towing something large and orange. I wondered aloud if someone on a track fiurther away but within view had had an accident and a rescue was being attempted.
I mentioned this to some others at the lake and they replied, knowingly, that it was meely a delivery of materials and equipment for the construction of a small bridge over there, which had been damaged by earlier flooding.
20-JUL-2018
Log cabin storehouses at Fafleralp
Log cabin storehouses such as these are dotted around the mountain slopes as well as right within the villages amomg the chalets. This group are beside the River Lonza and across a bridge from the main road to Fafleralp.
22-JUL-2018
Glacial waters
The River Lonza rushes along the floor of the Loetschental Valley, and is fed by numerous streams pouring down the mountains either side, in valley folds and wherever the water can gather to make its way down. The streams can be seen from all places along the valley, silver in the sunlight or white in the mists of morning and evening.