After breakfast it was time for Gianina to make here regular call via Skype to Simon & Helen. It was good to be on the other end – hearing and seeing them on the computer. We didn’t chat as long as expected as they had guests but I did manage to get a quick update on the family from them. Good to hear you are all well. Dad your latest test results good again and Mum getting stronger after a few quiet days.
Then we were in the car for another great day out. We drove in a different direction this time and after about 40 mins arrived at a lake where Gianina mentioned they went ice-skating in winter. I was really surprised at the size of the lake (at least 6km long) and that a body of water that size could not only completely freeze but could look so warm and inviting (it was a beautiful sunny day) only a couple of months later.
We then headed about 15 mins away from the lake to walk through some caverns. It was incredible. The lake I had just seen drains literally through the mountain, out the other side, and then on to create Lake Neuchatel (?).
Here is the water coming out of the base of the mountain.The millions of years of this water through the mountain has created a massive cave system. We walked through comfortably. I was a bit concerned I may have been claustrophobic but no way... the size was huge. It was completely silent with pools of water below the walkways in some sections. As the water was so clear you could see huge round tunnels that had been routed by the water at the bottom of some of the pools. Incredible.
With each area we moved to the lights went on ahead of us by movement sensors. There were also buttons to light in ponds and up caves which created a great way to highlight different points. Finally we arrived at an area where the water was roaring through. It was very loud as it echoed. The air temp was about 10C and I guess the water about 5C.
After this we had lunch on a terrace by the original lake we saw. I was thrilled to have the white asparagus I had been looking out for. Having had them once before in Switzerland... this time they were poached in salted water and served with parma ham... which is not as salty as prosciutto....delicious!
We then drove up to a lookout. The final climb from the car park wasn’t far but it was steep and a bit of an effort for me but the view so spectacular... it was worth every step. If my memory serves me correctly ... Chris said the altitude was 1400m.
There is no way my pictures can do it justice but no doubt you will get the gist. If you look carefully you can see the alps in the top of this pic. There was quite a bit of haze due to wood fire heating etc.
We went home a different way stopping in a super quaint village for a stroll through a gorgeous cathedral and piazza and then tea with tart. Mine was rouge fruit and still warm. Hmmm...!!
Home to pack and a lovely relaxing night which included wedding discussions which was really nice to hear about. Earlier in the day we passed the church Chris and Gianina are to be married in. It’s all just like a fairy tale!
It was up early the next day and at the train station for me at 7:00am for the next leg, Ireland. What a lucky girl I am!
2 comments:
Had to smile re the bread, as Gianina mentioned it when she first arrive there.She couldn'tget over how much each meal. What lovely time you had with them, we are impressed with pics, especially when blown up. Dad sits beside me when we open up the kids blogs. Enjoy Ireland. Much lover Mum and Dad
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