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June 30, 2010 - Switzerland - Bundalp (Griesalp) to Gimmelwald
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Day 2 of our overnight hike between Kandersteg and Murren.
Awoke last night at about 2:00 AM and saw a full moon shining in our window. I knew the morning would bring clear skies after yesterday's thunderstorms and it did. I slept less than soundly due to a bad sunburn (no sunblock the previous day), despite the soothing cowbells and stream noises outside our window all night long. We had a spartan breakfast of rolls, cheese and coffee. Max got a pitcher of cold milk. Then off we set for Sefinenfurgge pass and the next night's lodging somewhere on the other side. I've resolved to buy walking sticks after getting back to the US after experiencing these huge ascents and descents. I think they'd help a lot with my knees.
A view out our bedroom window in the morning. Blue skies awaited us.
We started the day hiking down towards Griesalp in order to cross the Gamchibach river. Got a bit turned around and asked for directions from a nice (of course) English couple. Felt better when we were headed back up hill. A very long ascent indeed. First up through the forest, then above the tree line, then into the rocks and snowfields. Saw the funny sign with the monster and baby that we'd seen pictures of on the internet. Had to ascend a multi-hundred foot high snowfield by kicking steps and grabbing at snow. I felt pretty exposed for a fall near the top. Once you get going if you slip it'd be hard at best to stop, and there are rocks at the bottom. Made it up to the steps which were partly covered with snow.
Hiking down towards Griesalp to cross the Gamchibach river.
Crossing the Gamchibach river.
Heading back up now. Max overtakes a hiker.
No explanation here.
The Sefinenfurgge pass in the far distance.
Max crossing a snowfield on the way up to the pass.
Closer to the pass.
A snowfield I just ascended. Strangely the snow was easier to ascend via kicking steps that going up the loose talus.
The steps on the way up dissappeared into the snow, along with the rope handrail.
Looking back down at nice steps free from snow that we just ascended.
Finally made the pass and got spectacular views in both directions. The big three Eiger, Monk and Jungfrau were beautiful. Big snow fields on the way down near the top. Max "skied" down on his shoes, making it look fun and easy. I tried it and promptly fell on my butt and went down that way. Hit a rock with my left hand and got a gash that's healing as I write this, but plenty of blood at the time. Wrist hurts a bit at the time of this writing.
Our first view over the pass of the Eiger, Monk and Jungfrau.
Signs at the Sefinenfurgge pass.
Another view of of the Eiger, Monk and Jungfrau.
Scouting our descent through the snowfields.
Max starts down a big one.
Back down below the snowfields, looking at the Eiger, Monk and Jungfrau..
Where we descended from.
The Schilthorn at the top of a nearby peak.
Max fords a stream.
Then into the long descent down to Rotstockhutte, a hut where Max had a 7 Franc piece of pie and I had a beer. We decided to head to Gimmelwald instead of Murren. More steep descent and about 2 hours later we arrived.
Approaching the Rotstockhutte where Max had pie and I had a beer.
Now on our way to Gimmelwald.
The head of the Lauterbrunen valley.
After a bit of walking, talking to other tourists and checking our guidebook, we found the Mountain Hostel, a nice youth hostel for 23 Francs per person per night, and they had WiFi. Took a shower for a Franc, did laundry in a real washing machine and clothes dryer, then had dinner at the hostel restaurant. Expensive (58 Francs total), but much appreciated. Max had a meringue desert almost as big as his head. Big sugar infusion. Too tired to sit or stand after that, so to bed and some reading. Even though quiet time at the hostel started at midnight, it was quiet all evening. No guitar or piano playing, raucous card games or the like. A little difficult getting into the upper bunk but slept ok.
We stayed two nights here.
Lasagna for dinner.
Max's meringue desert. Got sugar?
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