This morning the storm had passed and the sun was shining, so we got back to some 'path bagging'. First, route 2 to the foot of the ski jumps. Their heyday was short, from 1979 to 1991 - a plaque names the winners of an international competition, but since then it seems that Kandersteg has dropped off the international ski jumping circuit. The equipment looks dilapidated but servicable. From above it looked like a 'dry' facility, with a synthetic landing strip and steel runners for skis, but the run off area is just grass, so either a synthetic carpet or a blanket of snow is needed for the jumps to be operational.
Today's image was taken on the way to the ski jumps, a few metres from home actually, with the 2502 metre summit of Bire, to the north east of Kandersteg, looming high above the valley meadows.
We explored the quaint road bridge over which a cross country ski trail passes in winter. There is no summer footpath here, and the bridge timbers are very slippery. Nor is their much evidence of the rest of the ski route. The geography of the village must be altered somewhat when winter activities take over!
Retracing our steps, we enjoyed a variation of the panoramic walk to the west of the village, taking the paths nearest to the cliffs rather than last Saturday's higher route to Höh. Today's route gave better views; all of Kandersteg's landmarks being laid out below us in the sunshine.
We were down in time to enjoy lunch outside the Marmotte Tea Rooms, during which it began to cloud over.
Next, route number 8, a delightful woodland path with a 'vita-parcours' - exercise route - involving various keep fit equipment being placed strategically by the path for fitness freaks.
The sky darkened and before we knew it the rain had started. It lashed down. We sheltered in a very small but conveniently placed brick shelter until the worst had passed, before adjourning to the Co-op and inadvertently purchasing (inter alia) a supply of 'tax paid' rubbish bags that will possibly last Peter and Anne several years!
Then house admin, a lovely meal (cordon bleu chicken - still hanging on from the 1970s), and a dossy evening....
...and that's all for today.
Oh, BTW between the two of us we have now walked 20 of the 60 routes annotated on our 1:25000 map. Target achieved! What next?
2 comments:
"What next?"
Give the poor girl a break you heartless swine! And her with a bad back - and avoiding cafes too. She should go on a proper holiday with me she should. Capuccinos, beers, newspapers, snoozing, smoked trout.. None of this path bagging nonsense!
In my defence:
I currently act as chauffeur, chef, porter, chief bottle washer, mountain guide, etc, etc. Have you not noticed the excessive use of cablecars?
And light non-aggressive exercise does seem to at least keep the injury as stable as any other activity, or indeed inactivity.
Blah blah blah
(Deletes rest of comment!)
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