One Last Hike

Sunday we awakened to a crystal clear, near perfect day.  Barely a cloud in the sky and hot for the mountains.  I took a little solo hike up the hill again to see if there was any chance Doug could walk up there and while it was tough, I felt there was maybe one pathway he could handle if we drove up the initial slope.  Came home to a nice brunch on the terrace and then we decided to take a drive to see how far up we could go with the car.  I was curious about a couple of the roads we'd seen and the ride did not disappoint.  When you get up above the little villages, you can see the vast expanse of ski runs and the mountains opposite us just pop out in all of their majestic glory!  On such a clear day, the view was jaw dropping.  We drove past this little restaurant that our friends had recommended and I remembered that from near our house there was trail that said the walk was 50 minutes.  Doug thought he could handle it.
We drove back to a place where we could park and started off.  It was hot with no cover from the searing mountain sunshine.  Even I thought it was a bit much at times.  I didn't realize we were going to hike so I forgot sunscreen and was wearing my tennis shoes instead of my hiking boots.  It was OK, but I was glad we had water in our backpack.  The walk was incredible.  There are things called bisse strewn across the Swiss countryside, irrigation canals that have been built that run like beautiful streams.  The pathways are often right next to a bisse and the sound of the bubbling water really brings comfort and relief when you are roasting on an uphill climb. 
We were doing just fine until we came to a crossroads and took the wrong path.  The path we took led straight up and turned a fairly leisurely walk into a challenging hike.  I was worried about Doug as coming back down caused much more pain than going up, but I also knew that wherever we went up, we would eventually have to come down.  And while I'm not injured, I'm not in very good shape so found the incline rather challenging.  By hiking standards this was an easy route.  By Jodi standards it was tough!  Eventually we realized that we were on the wrong pathway and while it would've been fun to keep going up, given Doug's knee concerns we decided to turn around and try to find our mistake.  We did.  Got on the right path and ended up at this great place called Plumechit where you sit on a large balcony that allows you take in the valley and the views.  After a refreshment stop, we made our way back, in 45 minutes...5 minutes quicker than the recommended time!  We were roasted but happy.  Doug was very pleased that he got in another hike and I was thrilled to see that part of our area. 

After a cool shower and a wonderful afternoon nap, we grilled burgers, sat on the terrace, reflected on what a wonderful time we've had and shared a crossword puzzle as the fading light on a gorgeous day dazzled us with hues of pink and white. 

There's Something About a View

The view from our porch

Another view from our porch

The view from behind our cottage

Our Swiss holiday is providing us with one breathtaking view after another.  It's amazing to drive on the windy mountains roads and come to a place where the entire valley opens up before you eyes.  It's really something special when you turn a corner and the peaks and rock faces of the Alps rise up majestically around you.  A grand view puts things into perspective, allows you to consider that life is so much bigger than your little viewpoint.   The vastness of a sprawling view soothes the soul and brings a sense of calm and wonder to my life.  I am so thankful for these days in the mountains where every morning I'm treated to a wonderful view out my kitchen windows.
Last night after dinner, I decided to walk up the hill to see what lurked above our cottage.  I wasn't disappointed as the evening sunset was wild with pink and the setting sun was casting a magical light on some of the mountain peaks. 

The last shots of a beautiful day

I sit here now considering the day ahead, wondering what we'll be doing but confident that awe-inspiring views will be a part of it and I am thankful.

Beautiful Switzerland

The front of our complex. 

The terrace right outside of our lovely living room and dining area.

After a long and at times challenging drive, we were happy to find our beautiful cottage snuggled against the mountains up the hill from Crans Montana in a little area called Vermala.  The buildings in this area are stunning.  The craftsmanship and attention to detail are amazing, the beauty of the wood, the eye popping color of the prolific flower boxes assure you that while here, you will be surrounded by beauty and relaxation.  From our terrace we have mountain views in two directions and we were lucky to have a reasonably clear evening for our arrival. Thank you Leigh and David for the opportunity to stay here!

The view from our terrace and dining room table.

While reveling in our vacation digs, we enjoyed a glass of wine accompanied by potato chips, gourmets that we are. 

 

As we enjoyed an amazing sunset that kept getting prettier by the minute, we got word via Facebook that it was raining buckets in Stockholm.

What a wonderful display of God's handiwork.

  Our timing was good.  We spent the rest of the evening studying maps, planning hikes, discovering what there is to do and see in the area.  Best of all, we realized that in the end, there's nothing we have to do and the relaxation of taking a break while surrounded by beauty began to sink in as we fell into the delightful feather bed that awaited us.