Dave eating a typical breakfast
Day 6 of 7: July 22, 2008
After eating a typical breakfast of muesli with yogurt, coffee with steamed milk, rolls, croissants, cheeses and meats, we began our last day of real hiking.
The morning was damp with dense fog. We had two options: around the side of the mountain or over the mountain. On the advice of our host from the Berghaus Ramslauenen, we chose to go around the mountain, as the hiking the ridge line at the top of the mountain in the dense fog would be hazardous.
Along the way, we came across a helicopter team who was grounded and waiting for the fog to lift.
Photo: Swiss helicopter
Once one the other side of the mountain at a lower altitude, the fog had lifted. The trail was very mild compared to some of the mountainous terrain we had covered earlier in our trip.
Photo: Beautiful flowers along the way
We came across quite a few of these slugs. Note Dave’s new boot!
Photo: A large Swiss slug
The trails often took us near and sometimes through private party. This friendly dog ran up to us in spite of his owner’s commands to return to its house.
Photo: A friendly Swiss dog
Photo: On the hike from Ramslauenen to Oeschinensee
When we reached this signpost, we were near the end of our hike, six hours after we had started.
Photo: Me at an Oeschinensee signpost
We had passed the Oeschinensee on Day 3. We had now completed a circle by returning here on Day 6.
Photo: Me hiking down to the Oeschinensee signpost
Dave and I dared each other into the lake. Given glacier run off, the temperature must have been in the low 40’s (F). It really took our breathes away when we dove in. By this point, I was numb, which felt good on my tired legs.
Photo: Enjoying a beer in the Oeschinensee
We spent another light in a Lager at the Oeschinensee Berghaus - again, we had the entire place to ourselves.
Photo: Dave in front of the Oeschinensee Berghaus
Day 7 of 7: July 22, 2008
Our final day was a short, 30 minute hike to the Sesselbahn (chairlift) then a quick ride down to Kandersteg in our car.
Photo: The Sesselbahn (chairlift) from Oeschinensee to Kandersteg
All in all, hiking in the Swiss Alps was an incredible experience.
Read about previous days: Day 1-2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5
My complete set of pictures are available here.
Live life richly and boldly!
David
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David B. Glover
Experiential Writer, Elite Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net
©2008 David B. Glover
