Angela – Page 20 – Globitrotter

At the beach

Last weekend my brother and I drove down to Gothenburg to go to a beach party. Yes, it is November and bloody cold and dark so how did this happen? One of our sisters and her husband both turned 40 so they took the opportunity to throw a party. It was held at this brilliant place where they had actually built a little beach and with special lamps the temperature came up to about 30 degrees. Before dinner we were hanging out at the beach bar under the lamps with cold beers.

This did not make me long for a holiday in the sun… noooooooo…

Last chance

Winter is definately around the corner. In Sweden we have already seen the first snow. This week we had a snow storm and although it is a few days ago there are still traces of it on the ground. Lucky me then who could go down to Switzerland last weekend and enjoy some warmer weather.

Since the weather was nice we took the opportunity to go on maybe the last hike of the season. Since it is cold and snowy on high altitude we chose Bürgenstock this day. This mountain is only about 1100 meters but beautifully situated at the lake Vierwaldstätter See and famous for its views. This particular mountain does not have a gondola but actually a lift that can take you up the last few hundred meters. This day however it was already closed for the season, not even the café was open. So we did not get our standard beer on the top of the mountain but had to be content with what we had brought along.

On the way we had some serious Sound of Music moments. Like here when we crossed a meadow with this spectacular view.

As we came around the mountain we got this great view of the lake and Lucerne. This side of the mountain is very steep and the footpath is not intended for people that have issues with heights. At some places they have even made tunnels through the rocks. Very nice hike that can be made a little longer if you choose to leave the car close to Stansstad and take the way over Bürgenbergwald.

Bern

Last Friday I went to meet my friend Isabelle in Bern. The sun was shining and it was around 15 degrees Celsius. Bern is a pretty town with a lot of atmosphere. We went for a walk to see if the bears were out and they were, the mother with her two cubs were playing around. For you who don’t know, a bear is the symbol of Bern and there are a few of them living by the river in the central part of town.

Before I headed back to Zug I, by mistake, went up on the roof of the central station. It turns out the view from up there is great. It was a particularly clear day and the mountains were visible at the horizon. And there is a café up there as well. Good to know next time I am in town…

Never thought

I never thought that I could get tired of flying. But at the moment I am. The past year I have been flying a lot to Zürich, once or twice each month. Normally the trip is a part of a journey for me, a part I rather enjoy. At first the beginning of a trip when expectations are built and you finally realize that you are on your way. Then at the end when you have time to think about what you have experienced and decide whether you will miss it or not.

Basically I do like flying, the atmosphere at the airport and the isolated time on the flight itself. But in this case the flight has just become a way to get to where I need to go. Like taking the train to work. I don’t go by train because it is fun but just because it is the only way of getting there. The flight is not important anymore, just a hassle, just a long train ride. I have noticed that I don’t really think of it as travelling but just going somewhere. I do not experience the flight like I normally do. I either sleep or work because otherwise it would feel like a complete waste of time. Every time I am on my way I am eager to get there, I don’t feel like spending time on a plane. I just want the time to pass and the flight to be over instead of feeling that it is a part of an exciting trip.

Soon the trips to Switzerland will be over. I can’t wait. Then I hope the feeling of flying will go back to what it used to be. Hopefully I will soon enjoy a view like the one in the picture above (which is the Swiss Alps from a flight from Stockholm to Milan).

Climbing in Melchsee Frutt

This past Sunday we went to Melchsee Frutt for some climbing. They have a big climbing wall just a few minutes walk from the car park and cable car station. The wall is not high but long, most routes are one pitch only but there are a few 2 pitch routes around. Totally there are about 130 routes ranging from grade 3 to 8 on the UIAA scale. So there is plenty to choose from although this easy to reach place attracts a lot of climbers.

Having a break at the climbing wall.

As well as on Saturday it was cloudy below 1500 meter but we had beautiful weather. Today it was also 10 Franken day which means it only costs 10 Franken to take the cable car up to Melchsee Frutt. Due to this there were loads of hikers around and you can see the ant trail along the lake which had no end. Fortunately though there were not too many climbers.

The view from the climbing wall. This is the difference between climbing in the Alps and in Stockholm area…

Autumn hike in Switzerland

This past Saturday we did the Four Lake Hike (Vier Seen Wanderung) between Melchsee Frutt and Engelberg. The SBB (Swiss Railway) has a special ticket for this hike which includes train, bus and cable cars on both ends which makes it quite worth its price. Otherwise the trains and cable cars in Switzerland are very pricey.

In the valleys the fog was thick the entire day but above 1500 meters or so the sky was blue and the sun was shining. The perfect day for an autumn hike on high altitude.

Hiking along the rigde from Bonistock towards Tannensee. Below us on the right side there is a climbing wall with more than 130 routes in all ranges. Actually we came back on Sunday to do some climbing there.

Tannensee.

Having lunch at Engstlensee. This was the lowest point on the hike and after this we had to climb about 400 meters to Jochpass and then down again to reach the cable car on the other side. On Jochpass we did get a well deserved beer before we walked down the last bit. The hike took about 4 hours. With breaks we spent about 6 hours on the track.

All pictures were taken by Michael Wicki who brought us on this hike. Thanks for a great day, Quicky!