Lauterbrunnen, Bernese Oberland - SWITZERLAND
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We said goodbye to the huge oil heater this morning, although warm it had taken up the only space available, and to our quaint mountain home. By mid-morning the valley opened out towards Interlaken and the day, though sunny, was beginning to fill with cloud. We were so lucky to have had three perfect days of weather after a dump of snow. The three of us sat huddled in the front of the van and made our way around the north side of Lake Thun. Under cloudy skies the water shimmered shades of emerald and each new village threw its beauty at us. Highly decorated wooded chalets with balconies and colourful curtains sat framed by snow. You could just imagine in summer the cow bells ringing and green grass flapping in the warm breeze. The N8 then took us north to Lucerne, flanked by mountains, valleys, towns and the green waters of small lakes and rivers. Pilatus with its craggy peaks shimmered over the horizon and the little medieval town of Lucerne surrounded by its lake made a perfect stop for lunch and a walking tour. The baguettes were then pulled out for another gourmet lunch, then, under cloudy skies, we followed the boardwalk by the lake to the centre of town. Wealthy old ladies in furs, teenagers in the latest grunge style and stern businessmen all passed by. Beautiful ducks and swans filled the freezing river and soon we were in a medieval world full of all the charm of the 15th century. Painted facades, the Rathaus (or town hall) and city walls were a delight. The main draws are the covered bridges that span the Reus River, especially the wooden Kapellbrucke, whose interior is lined with medieval paintings. After walking through the cobbled streets past quaint buildings we came to the Lion Monument, which was carved out of the natural rock in the 19th century. Its dedicated to all the Swiss soldiers that died in the French revolution defending Louis 16th and exudes soul like a Michelangelo. The dark clutches of evening soon set in, when we returned to the car and retraced our steps back down to Sarnen. An open-all-year campsite was located here, although not a soul was in reception. We parked near the entrance next to a Frenchman hoping that we'd make it out tomorrow morning before the proprietor. After settling in for the night, we found the barrier closed and that you had to use a coin operated machine to use the showers. Dave decided to have one with our last coin, although it lasted him only three minutes and left soap in his hair! The gourmet chef of the house cooked a bit of Cajun chicken, whilst downing a few beers and talking about the cricket. Again after stuffing ourselves with sweets and warm cups of tea, we set in for a deep sleep ready to depart this sad little site. |