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We hopped on the bus in Beaune and headed for the next country, Switzerland. Our destination was Lauterbrunnen, a picturesque valley which according to Wikipedia.org, "provided the pictorial model for J.R.R. Tolkien's sketches and watercolors of the fictitious valley of Rivendell ." In other words, it was inspiring. Since we had free time, you could choose to relax and enjoy the view or see and do as much as possible.
Hotel: Hotel Staubbach (2 nights)
Tour Highlights: hiking through the Swiss Alps, free time |
One of many great views from out hike
(I love the Swiss flag in this picture)
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View of Staubbach
Falls and the valley from the train |
Deborah and I on
the hike - we're hoping for no falling rocks
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Our companions at
dinner one evening
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The morning we said
goodbye the skies
finally cleared! |
What I'll never forget: being surrounded by the spectacular Swiss Alps • the clothes that wouldn't dry • dancing at the Swissgo • riding the gondola to Männlichen with Bill, Phil, and Deborah and laughing (a lot) • sharing a picnic lunch with Deborah • paying about $5 to mail 2 postcards • eating dinner with Brent, Harriet, Bill, Claire, Deborah & Maegen and watching as a few cows are herded down the street • wishing for less clouds during our hike, but being pleased with the views anway • all of the perfect flower boxes in the windows • receiving the nickname "Tumbleweed" from Phil
My favorite foods: rösti, chocolate, fondue, cider |
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You can definitely count on your tourmates to be there for you. While hiking in the Alps, we came across a very small stream that we needed to cross. I hesitated due to the not-great-for-water shoes I was wearing. I need't have worried because Bill offered to give me a ride on his back--and I happily accepted his offer!
Photo courtesy
of Bill & Claire
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Hiking map showing
the gondolas that we
rode in
A map of the area
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