Three Towns Forum
Members' Lounge => Travel => Topic started by: hollins on June 26, 2011, 03:23:16 pm
-
Here are a few snaps of Switzerland where I am at the moment.
Best wishes to all.
-
Looks lovely, Hollins, Can we all come along next time? :)
-
Yes, as long as you bring your camera!
I have had to delete all my photos of the flower filled meadows........too mushy!
-
It looks wonderful, Hollins. Have a lovely holiday and I hope you manage to get some photos of the flower meadows.
-
Looks lovely, Hollins, Can we all come along next time? :)
The Mrs and I are off on a Cruise up the Rhine to Switzerland in the not too distant future. Never been there before so I'm learning to yodel! ;)
-
It looks wonderful, Hollins. Have a lovely holiday and I hope you manage to get some photos of the flower meadows.
Thanks Blodyn,
I could use some of your skills over here. You would love the flowers.
Here are a couple more Swiss views.
-
Looks lovely, Hollins, Can we all come along next time? :)
The Mrs and I are off on a Cruise up the Rhine to Switzerland in the not too distant future. Never been there before so I'm learning to yodel! ;)
Hi Yorkie,
I have been on two boats today on the lake. Thought you might be interested in these pics.
-
The last picture above is a paddle steamer called the Blumlisalp.
Thought someone might be interested in these pictures of the steam engine.
-
$cool$
-
I wonder who has the job of keeping it clean! 8)
-
You don't let the grass grow under your feet Hollins with all these lovely places you go to. $good$
Fantastic photos of Switzerland and they bring back memories of my visit there with the bridge in Lucerne. I remember having a delicious Brandy coffee half way up the mountain ( Monch, Eiger or Jungfrau ? ) when I visited Grindelwald. Keep the photos coming please.
-
Hi Hugo,
Yes, I love the brandy coffees too!
Here are a few more snaps.
Thanks for your interest.
-
it looks lovely I want to go!
-
Here are a few photos of some real chalets. I don't think my shed comes anywhere near!
-
The next one is the plumbers house!
-
What's that building in your first pic on the 28th June, H? The one with the large tower?
-
It's the castle/museum at Spiez which is on lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland.
It is a gorgeous spot. You can look around inside. I have been up that very tower.
-
You're a lucky devil Hollins, you seem to have had more holidays than Judith Charmers ever had!
All the places you've been to seem to be really nice, don't forget to post some more photos because I'd love to see them. $good$
-
Thank you for your interest Hugo. I am always a bit worried about posting about my travels because it isn't anything to do with the 3 Towns. I don't suppose Dave R and Ian would have put in a subject headed, "Travel, been anywhere nice?" if they didn't want subjects like that on here. I hope they will tell me if it isn't really a suitable topic.
I can't really contribute many things on the local subjects because I am new to the area but I do not want to only take and not give.
It is a lot easier and cheaper to travel in Europe now than in Judith Chalmers days!
I have spent the last couple of days in and around Basel courtesy of a £77 return air fare from Manchester to Basel with British Midland. Remarkable really when you think what it would have cost 15 or so years ago before the start of easyjet.
The first 4 pics are in Basel itself. The first two the town hall, the third is part of the roof of the cathedral and the fourth just a beautiful door!
The second set are of a hotel called Bad Schauenburg about 15 kms outside Basel.
The weather was glorious, bright sun and 31 degrees!
-
4 more.
-
Keep posting them Hollins, the photos are lovely to see and you always seem to go to some beautiful places. $good$
We used to go abroad for our holidays but with my wife's illness we cannot do that any longer but still we make the most of it with trips in this country.
Basle was the first airport we ever landed at but we didn't see much of the town because our destination was the Austrian Tyrol and the resort of Seefeld.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
-
Thanks Hugo. I am back home now, landed 20 mins early.
Sorry you can't get around as much now but we are so lucky that there are so many lovely places to see without going far at all.
-
Hello there.
This time I am in Zurich celebrating my husbands 60th.
The first two pics are of the Sprungli cafe which is Zurich's equivalent of Betty's.
It is celebrating it's 175 year anniversary this year.
The birthday treat was a trip to the opera to see Rigoletto ( see last pic). I am not keen on opera but have sat through plenty!
The band playing live by the lake is more my cup of tea.
-
All looks lovely, H, I'm jealous!
-
It looks wonderful, Hollins, particularly the dessert! (It's a nice artistic photo of it, too.)
Have a lovely time and wish your husband a belated happy birthday.
We'll look forward to seeing more photos.
-
Thanks Blodyn. Yes, we had a good night. We stayed in the building with the letters on, on the right of the first photo in the lovely old town.
The third photo is of particular interest to me. I collect old umbrellas and this is a picture of an umbrella factory right in the heart of the old town. I wonder how many years that has been there?
I don't think there are many manufacturers left in city centres in the UK. Maybe some in London?
One nice story which is typically Swiss. When we picked up the tickets for the opera at the box office the assistant said, "These are not very good seats, I will give you better ones."
We ended up with a great view right in the middle.
Next opera we are going to is in Llandudno in November!
-
I don't think there are many manufacturers left in city centres in the UK. Maybe some in London?
James Ince are still going strong in Hackney.
http://www.jamesince.co.uk/html/about_us.html (http://www.jamesince.co.uk/html/about_us.html)
-
Thanks for that Trojan. It is good to know.
-
A few more Swiss views.
Do you see this orange flower on the Orme?
I think you see the goat but maybe not with it's bell!
-
We've got the orange flower (orange hawkweed) in the Three Towns area. Stephenprudence tells us the hawkweeds originate from the Mediterranean, so they're obviously getting about a bit. The edelweiss looks beautiful.
The cow and goat look very placid - I'm not sure what our Great Orme goats would think about the bells!
-
Really lovely photos Hollins, you're a lucky devil going to all these beautiful places. Switzerland is such a lovely place, I don't blame you for going back there again.
-
A typical Swiss walk......the first uphill section by chair lift!
-
Part 2!
-
One of the things I love about Switzerland is that things work! If something goes wrong it is almost certainly pilot error.
A good example of their efficiency was my journey back from there today.
I started off waiting in thick snow at a bus stop in -8 temperatures for my first mode of transport, a bus to take me to the train station. Then two trains later arrived at Zurich airport. All exactly on time despite snow all the way and freezing temperatures.
Left Zurich airport this afternoon when it was -5 and easyjet brought me back to Manchester airport landing 15 mins early.
-
I'm convinced that you're either a Tax exile or travel agent Hollins because you go abroad so often. ;) Don't know how I came to miss your photos on 21st September but they are absolutely stunning and no wonder you like Switzerland so much. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your latest ones too. $good$
-
I think hollins lives in Switzerland and regularly comes to Llandudno on his holidays. $cool$
-
Good idea Bri!
Not a tax exile or a travel agent Hugo!
Just bought a flat there many years ago. Thanks for saying you like the photos.
Hollins is a she.
:-*
-
I always enjoy seeing your Switzerland pics, it looks like a great place.
-
Anyone for skiing?
Gorgeous alpine sun today. What's it like at the seaside?
-
Dry, cold and sunny just now. Awful earlier, squally showers and cold.
-
Hollins, it looks glorious where you are!
I had a pleasant walk on the Great Orme this afternoon and was surprised how few people I saw. It was a bit windy but good for blowing away the cobwebs.
Have a nice time.
-
Hope you have all had a lovely day by the sea today.
It's the forum's unofficial Swiss correspondent here!
It has been great weather here too today. The first photo is of the flower shop in the village. The shops close for lunch from 12-2pm but the goods are left outside including PAIRS of boots and shoes costing hundreds of pounds.
Those were the days!
-
What a fantastic view in that second photo. $good$
-
Lovely pictures - I do love to see snow on the mountains.
How do property prices in Switzerland compare with the UK?
-
Thanks for the nice comments on the photos.
The property in Switzerland is more expensive than the UK. At the moment this is mainly due to the exchange rate. 12 years ago you could get 2.4 swiss francs to the pound. At the moment it is about 1.38 to the pound.
Not so many people buy their own property in Switzerland as they do in the UK. More people rent.
The houses that are owned are often jointly occupied by different generations of the same family, each having their own floor.
-
Could fancy a drive of that Hummer !!!! :roll:
-
You're missing the sunshine here at the moment Hollins but those views are superb and the weather looks good too. You are so lucky to have the best of both worlds. $good$
-
Things seen on a Swiss walk.
Part One
-
Part two.
-
Lovely photos, Hollins. It looks as though you're having a good time. Hope the weather stays nice for you.
-
Hello forum, hello winter!
This is what it has been doing at 4200 feet this morning, brrr!
-
It does look a bit chilly, Hollins, but do post some more photos when the sun comes out, as it will be beautiful then if your previous photos are anything to go by.
Have a lovely time.
-
Thanks Blodyn.
Here's a few from the other day which maybe of interest.
-
You're so lucky Hollins, it looks beautiful there. $good$
-
Great photos, H. $good$
-
What lovely photos, Hollins, I particularly like the armchair in the wood!
-
Thank you for the nice comments and interest in the photos.
Yes Blodyn, it was quite a shock seeing an old chair in the woods. The Swiss aren't known for leaving junk around. There was some tree felling nearby and I wondered if the foreman fancied a comfy seat!
Sunny today so lunch at the lake and a visit to the attractive town of Thun.
There is a very different atmosphere by the lake from that in the mountains but they are only half an hour apart.
-
That looks really beautiful, Hollins. No photos of your lunch?
-
Ha! No sorry, I think I must have been too hungry and eager to get on with it!
-
I travelled back from Switzerland yesterday in torrential rain. The weather really disgraced itself but while we were there we did experience a few days of true alpine sun.
This time we were walking not skiing. Even in the winter there are many miles of pisted trails which are a delight on a sunny day. The photo which says "Wanderweg" is the sign for these walks and if there is a snowman symbol it means it is a walk that is open in the winter as well.
Most of the train rides in Switzerland are incredibly scenic and somehow more so in the sun and snow.
-
Nice photos, H. I trust the Swiss trains were incredibly efficient?
-
Thanks.
Yes, it is remarkable how efficient the whole public transport system is.
I usually put my watch right when the train leaves the station. The trains and buses (and boats in the summer) all interconnect and they go to almost everywhere in the country.
Weather doesn't seem to deter them either.
Nobody seems to notice the snow, they all just go about their business.
I took this photo of a man riding his moped without problem up quite a steep hill after a heavy fall of snow.
They are just used to it and know how to drive in the conditions.
If you are thinking of going both Geneva and Zurich have railway stations at the airports from where you can go to almost anywhere you want to.
This is the website to check your journey.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html (http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html)
-
An Easter day walk with my mum in Switzerland after an overnight snowfall.
Quite jealous of you all with the sun and the sea!
Looks like you have the Alpine weather at the moment.
-
A Happy Easter to you and your Mum Hollins, I wouldn't mind swapping with you, those mountains look so beautiful and inviting. Enjoy the rest of your break. $good$
-
Thanks Hugo, better weather today.
-
Wow Hollins thanks for posting these pics - Switzerland looks absolutely magical! I love the different chalets, the mountain views (though Snowdonia has been looking rather sensational too from Llandudno in the snow recently!)......it all looks amazing.....that last photo with the sheepskin rugs....totally lush! I want to go, I want to go , I want to go!!!! So inspired :)
-
Thanks Sam. How lovely to be able to inspire you to go!
Get yourself on an easyjet flight! I am always happy to help with travel planning for anyone who hasn't been before.
££$
-
Looks fabulous out there!
-
Seeing all that cold, cold snow makes me yearn for the sunshine of Portugal! Must get a holiday booked. ;D
-
There are some wonderful pictures in this article of the alpenhorns being played yesterday to beat a world record in Zermatt.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2396156/Blown-away-Swiss-horn-players-break-world-record-largest-group-people-playing-instrument.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2396156/Blown-away-Swiss-horn-players-break-world-record-largest-group-people-playing-instrument.html)
-
We are recently back from another trip to Switzerland but this was the first one with the new camera. Here are a few photos taken with it in and around the town Spiez which is situated on Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland.
The weather was so clear and bright. The big snowy mountains in the background of some of the photos are the peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau and the Schreckhorn.
-
....a few more.
-
Absolutely stunning photos Hollins, you're so lucky to be able to see sights like that. Hope that Mr Hollins wasn't tempted to climb some of those peaks!
-
Thanks Hugo. No, this time he had to be content with gentle strolls with me but in the past he has climbed the peaks around there with the exception of the Eiger.
At least he is walking again thank goodness!
-
Fantastic photos, H, the new camera is doing a great job.
-
Thanks DaveR. It was an excellent recommendation from you and I am really enjoying using it.
-
We were treated yesterday by some Swiss friends to a brunch at one of the cafes on the mountain top.
There was a temperature inversion and the cloud was lying in the valley leaving the tops clear and in bright sunshine. It was quite a sight and the food was good too except we ate too much!
-
Hollins, those photos are beautiful and that new camera is working a treat. $good$
The snow looks so deep on those sunloungers and it's still only mid October.
What height were you at when you took those photos and is there any snow falling on the towns below?
-
Hi Hugo,
Yes, it was unusual even for here to have that amount of snow in early October. We were at about 1950m. The snow was lying from about 1500m.
Gone a lot warmer now but the tops are still white.
-
Here are a few photos of the early morning sun hitting the tops of the mountains.
Some snowy pics for systema and anyone else who maybe missing the snow this winter.
-
I never get tired of looking at those photos of yours as Switzerland is such a beautiful place. $good$
-
Here's a few more Swiss scenes from the latest trip.
-
Hand luggage!
;D
-
Swiss drive, it's okay, I was the passenger!
-
Swiss version of seagulls? ......and an amazing garden centre.
-
Ahem... Yes, and as I keep saying, there are a lot of great things about Switzerland.
For one, the flag is a BIG PLUS.
-
I think Fester is a bit fed up with posts from your unofficial Swiss correspondent so don't look Fester!
It is really windy here too and plenty of spin drift coming off the top of the mountains. I caught this photo with a plane flying by.
Hope everyone has escaped the gales without damage.
-
Looks amazing there! $cool$
-
Hollins, not at all dear Lady, it's lovely!
I simply persist in trying to make people laugh at my BRILLIANT joke... :laugh: :laugh:
-
I simply persist in trying to make people laugh at my BRILLIANT joke... :laugh: :laugh:
>?>??
-
It was sad to leave the mountains behind yesterday as they were looking pristine in the sunshine. We set off the downhill walk to the bus stop at 14.30, thank goodness for the invention of trolley cases! After a few miles on the bus going down the valley we were in clouds and mist so we realised that we had been lucky to enjoy such a lovely morning higher up.
The bus arrives on time at the station and then it is two trains to Geneva airport and an easyjet flight back to Liverpool.
Thank goodness also for easyjet. I will never take these flights for granted when you think what the cost of a similar European flight used to be years ago. This time we booked a few weeks ago and paid £86 each return. Even the car parking at Liverpool airport seems much lower these days. £33 for 11 days this time.
We have half price railcards for the Swiss train fare and this was 84 francs each return so without it the train fare for a 3 hour journey would be more than the flight!
While we were there this time the Swiss National Bank decided to take away the link between the Swiss franc and the euro making it an even more expensive place for tourists. On the way there the tourist rate was 1.46 and today it is 1.24 to the pound.
No chance of continuing our journey by train from Liverpool airport, maybe one day!
Arrived home just before midnight and the house was freezing despite the heating being set to come on twice a day. I thought of Hugo's question on how did I cope with the change of temperature? Well last night, not too well. I had to get up in the night and put a jumper on!
-
No snow on the line then? :o ;D
-
Ha! Yes, if a train is significantly late over there it is on the news. Luckily I have never been on one that is more than about 2 mins late!
-
Rabbit fever!
-
I have been a bit hard on Zurich my "room with a view" post because it really is a very attractive place. Here are a few snaps from my last visit in which I was blessed with lovely sunshine and warm spring weather.
-
We travelled by train from Llandudno Junction to Switzerland last Saturday and spent every day there on some train or other, so I have a lot of pics and have learnt rather a lot about how to run a train system extremely well. Mind you, as my other half sagely noted, it helps when you don't have to drop everything to fight a couple of world wars or fund a Navy...
The Swiss operate two different train systems, as well as hosts of tram systems in their towns. Essentially, they use standard gauge systems for high-speed trains and drill holes through any big lumps of land which get in the way, so their big trains run straight, flat and fairly fast. They also operate a 'narrow gauge' system - slightly more than 3' wide - and all trains run on electrified routes.
In terms of climbing and descending, the narrower gauge system (which uses full-width coaches BTW, so you don't realise it's narrow gauge) excels at gradients you would otherwise only expect to see in theme parks and many are fitted with regenerative braking systems, which feed back into the various overhead lines. The narrower gauge also excels at very, very tight bends whilst clinging to the sides of sheer rock faces.
What the Swiss do very well, however, is provide information. In buckets-full. In each mainline coach there are LED screens which tell you which stop you're approaching, what the eventual destination of the train is, which coach you're in, what connections there will be at the next station and whether the Loo is occupied (that last's important, since the one thing the Swiss can't get right is providing working toilets on their trains).
But we travelled on Virgin, Eurostar, Thalys, DB CNL and CH, including Bernina, Glacier, Gornergrat and the odd few in between. Main finding: a few little things could improve our network immensely, the Swiss aren't perfect but they're good, Thalys is seriously fast and DB (the German network) are truly, truly awful. But give me train any time over 'plane.
-
Sounds like a fantastic trip, let's see some photos please. $thanx$
-
This was the view from our balcony at 0600 on the third day:
[smg id=3318]
[smg id=3320]
More later...
-
That's stunning, Ian. $good$
-
It sounds very exciting.
Simply out of curiosity, Ian, what time did you leave Llandudno Junction and what time did you arrive at your destination?
-
Caught the 1140 from Llandudno J, arrived London 3 hours later. We stayed overnight at the St Pancras Renaissance from where we took the Eurostar at 1110 to Brussels, the Thalys HST to Amasterdam and then DB CNL to Zurich. If we'd wanted to we could have done it to Zurich in about 11 hours, but we wanted to enjoy the trip and sleep :-)))
-
Caught the 1140 from Llandudno J, arrived London 3 hours later. We stayed overnight at the St Pancras Renaissance from where we took the Eurostar at 1110 to Brussels, the Thalys HST to Amasterdam and then DB CNL to Zurich. If we'd wanted to we could have done it to Zurich in about 11 hours, but we wanted to enjoy the trip and sleep :-)))
What a trip! Not stayed there yet, but St Pancras Renaissance looks fabulous - what was your opinion of it?
-
Great trip Ian!
Did you return by train also?
I can't wait to see the photos and to see which places you visited there. Were you on the Glacier Express?
I can't see the balcony photo for some reason.
It says sorry you are not allowed to view this file and make sure I am connected to the server.
-
We've stayed a few times. It's a exquisite place, with superb preservation of its original features. If you do go, opt to stay in a Chambers room or suite. Their basic rooms are called 'Barlow', which we've never used, and they're in a different and newer part of the building. Chambers rooms enjoy access to the Chambers club, which is a sort of 1930s-style 24-hour, dress-code eatery (all inclusive) and you can also opt for the fabled 'VIP transfer' service.
This provides you with what they describe as a 'personal butler' who collects you and your luggage on the day you're leaving, escorts you past the security queues (!) and through passport control onto the Eurostar itself. This is wonderful, as you pass lines of people, all queuing and simply waltz straight onto the train. They manage this because the 'butler' is also an employee of Eurostar, so has the keycard access and credentials he needs.
-
Did you return by train also?
No. We flew into Manchester, which was a big mistake.
I can't wait to see the photos and to see which places you visited there. Were you on the Glacier Express?
Yep. and the Bermina .
I can't see the balcony photo for some reason.
This is a permissions issue which ME also has. I'll try to sort it today. The pic is the Matterhorn which was the view from our hotel balcony in Zermatt. Incidentally, the best hotel either of have ever stayed in.
-
This provides you with what they describe as a 'personal butler' who collects you and your luggage on the day you're leaving, escorts you past the security queues (!) and through passport control onto the Eurostar itself. This is wonderful, as you pass lines of people, all queuing and simply waltz straight onto the train. They manage this because the 'butler' is also an employee of Eurostar, so has the keycard access and credentials he needs.
I like the sound of this! $good$
-
Which one in Zermatt?
Please get the photo thing sorted, so looking forward to seeing the pics.
-
I've tweaked a permission setting, H. Can you see anything, yet?
-
No!.........the suspense!
-
Not just me who can't see the image then! ;D
-
Me too ME, perhaps the Admins will sort the pictures out. ;D
-
Ah. I now know what the problem is and Dave and I will try to sort it out. 'onest!
-
Not just me who can't see the image then! ;D
Perhaps you can try it now and see if you have any luck? ££$
-
I still can't see it, same message.
-
Sadly still the same.
-
We seem to have an issue with the gallery. For now, I'll stick them up the old way:
This is the early morning scene from the balcony...
-
Wonderful! I can see that!
-
I can see adverts now, not that I mind!
-
A great photo Ian and well worth waiting for ;D
Hope you enjoyed your holiday there as it's such a beautiful country
-
just for the record Ian i have no problem seeing the photo,s
-
There are many advantages of living in Switzerland..... Oh I'm not going to bother, it never gets a laugh.
I notice that someone seems to have scaled the mountain outside your hotel room, and painted the top bit gold??
-
_))*
Kept doing it all morning, too :-)))
Snowcap: could you see the orignal photo?
-
It was white, not gold, the last time we were there.
-
yes ian there were two one on top of the other, if that helps
-
Looking at the photos of the Matterhorn this feat seems unbelievable! :o
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CE4QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetmountain.com%2Fenglish%2FNews%2Fshownews1.lasso%3Fkeyid%3D41164%26l%3D2&ei=cX9AVZmpPIvbaqzggdAB&usg=AFQjCNHWM91JLXKP_YjjpVvxwQ2mD_226Q (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CE4QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetmountain.com%2Fenglish%2FNews%2Fshownews1.lasso%3Fkeyid%3D41164%26l%3D2&ei=cX9AVZmpPIvbaqzggdAB&usg=AFQjCNHWM91JLXKP_YjjpVvxwQ2mD_226Q)
-
yes ian there were two one on top of the other, if that helps
It does indeed. Thanks.
Looking at the photos of the Matterhorn this feat seems unbelievable! :o
Funny thing, Hugo, but the Matterhorn isn't that difficult a climb. The Eiger is far harder apparently. We got up to 13,000 feet on Thursday and it was not only rather warm, despite our being surrounded by deep snow, but also totally silent, with a single raptor flying about.
-
It's the under 3 hours that amazes me Ian, it takes me that time to walk over the Great Orme although I do stop for a coffee sometimes. :)
I'm pleased that you're getting out and about and got up to 13,000 feet up on the Eiger. We went up the Eiger some years ago but I can't remember how high we went to, but it wasn't to the top as the cable car didn't go that far. ;D
I can remember the coffee that we had at the chalet there though, plenty of cream and a lot of Brandy too. $good$
-
There are many different routes up the Matterhorn varying in difficulty. To put in into perspective Mr Hollins climbed it the "easy" way along the Hornli ridge and it took them 6 hours to reach the summit and even longer to descend when one of their party, an experienced climber became very frightened on the way down. The weather also plays a big part.
The guy in Hugo's article ascended via the Italian side which is harder.
-
Anyone who can climb the Matterhorn has my complete admiration, but I hope that you have your action man hubby well insured Hollins! ;D
I can understand that experienced climber being frightened on the way down on that mountain as this short clip shows how dangerous it could be.
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDwQtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvAeHysSVMUk&ei=sNFAVZ2-IeTC7gaLm4DAAg&usg=AFQjCNFZAfqsmBtfmorVB6P2ClgttQMA1Q (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDwQtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvAeHysSVMUk&ei=sNFAVZ2-IeTC7gaLm4DAAg&usg=AFQjCNFZAfqsmBtfmorVB6P2ClgttQMA1Q)
-
Amazing video Hugo.
Yes, I have had my share of stressful moments with action man!
Fortunately nothing worse than two broken ankles, one for each leg and not at the same time.
He has a master plan to climb all the 4000m peaks. He has done 37 of them out of a possible 62 but he has been stuck on 37 for some years now.
-
A friend sent us this photo this morning looking towards the Matterhorn from Saint-Luc in Switzerland. Amazing how different it looks from another angle.
-
I just thought it was a white snooker ball!! :o
-
Here is one of my trivia posts while there is a gap between the more serious local ones.
Last week we were in Switzerland and one day we took a ride up in the cable car to the Engstligenalp.
This is a quite magical place and we were lucky to see it in beautiful weather.
This alp is the largest plateau in the Western Swiss Alps and is about 2000 metres above sea level.
They take the cows up there on a very steep winding path in June and you can buy cheese from the small farms up there.
-
A few more pics on the Alp.
-
Looks lovely Hollins - wish I could find the 'like' button! :) ;)
-
Hi Hugo. Nice that you have been wondering about me and my travels!
Hope you are well.
I have been having a little side trip staying on Lake Thun.
Here are a few pics.
-
Hi Hollins, hope that you're enjoying your holiday over there. That third photo looks very familiar to me and I'm sure that I've walked along inside it but can't remember what it was.
-
Yes, thanks Hugo still enjoying the mountains but back tomorrow.
The third photo is the covered bridge in Thun but there is a similar more famous one in Lucerne.
Maybe that is the one you remember walking by?
-
It might be the bridge in Lucerne that I'm thinking of, but I did spend a day in Interlaken but can't really remember much about the town. There are so many beautiful things to see there that you can't remember everything, although I've got clear memories of a cremy brandy coffee that I had in Grindewald. $good$
-
I don't think there is a big bridge like that in Interlaken but I may be wrong.
I was sipping a sherry there last week looking up to the magnificent view of the Jungrau. Unfortunately you can't really see the mountain in the photo but it was there!
-
Fab weather today for a lovely walk.
-
Part two and a naughty dessert!
-
Beautiful photos Hollins, keep them coming as the scenery is so breathtaking. I liked the photo of the leaves but my favourite one is of that mouthwatering dessert. ;D
-
Did the cow moo in German? :D
-
Thanks Hugo, nice to know you are enjoying the photos.
Ian, the cow spoke perfect English and said to me, "Tell that Ian to put some of his Swiss railway photos on here that he promised us."
;D
Action man had had enough strolling with me so yesterday he set off for a daredevil activity of descending a via ferrata in Murren but came across these lads who were base jumpers. Basically they leap off the cliff dressed in bat suits and dive down to Lauterbrunnen 1600ft below only opening a parachute in the last few seconds. Thank goodness even action man thought this was too scary to attempt!
:o
-
Tell that Ian to put some of his Swiss railway photos on here that he promised us.
Oops! Right, H. You've shamed me into putting some up. I'll just have to dig them out.
-
Okay, H; as promised:
Having reached Chur from Llandudno Junction, we found the weather was incredibly cvlear and sunny:
[smg id=3333]
-
Our first trip out was on the Bermina Express, interestingly named since the tortuous narrow-gauge bends it has to navigate tend to make it slightly slower than the name implies. To gain the impressive heights through the passes, it has some interesting methods:
[smg id=3334]
-
We also travelled on the Glacier Express, which - given the very sunny weather - almost washed out the photos:
[smg id=3339]
-
They have a lot of viaducts, and I took this shot hanging out of the window, which is why it's a bit blurry...
[smg id=3338]
-
In Tirano, the trains change ends, but they seem to take a lot of pride in their appearance
[smg id=3341]
-
Moo, thanks for the photos Ian!
-
Great pics Hollins and Ian, amazing how clean that rsilway is! $cool$
-
Back home now with the North Wales autumn colours but on the way back yesterday we stopped in Spiez for fish and chips and it did look beautiful so here are a few photos. One of those places to see before you die especially on a sunny autumn day.
-
After a very poor start to the ski season with very little snow and lots of rain it is now plastered!
Some mountain pics for Hugo and anyone else interested!
-
It's a bit chilly out there this morning Hugo!
-
That's a good excuse for a hot toddy before you go out on the Piste
-
Walk up the gorge. It is amazing what the Swiss will build in the most inaccessible places.
-
That's fascinating Hollins, it must be a really strange but a nice feeling walking along something like that. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and keep those lovely photos coming in.
-
Hi Hugo, yes it is a rather creepy intimidating walk up that gorge.
We are back home now but here are a few pics from another walk we did in Kandersteg.
-
Thanks for posting those photos Hollins, I always look forward to seeing your photos of that beautiful country.
-
Hello everyone!
Postcard from your Swiss correspondent.
Wish you were here! :D
-
So that's where you are Hollins. With no Hollins postings recently I was a bit worried in case you had had a relapse after watching MOD on Saturday! ;D
Enjoy your holiday and keep those photos coming.
PS The weather is absolutely beautiful over here at present, hope that it lasts a bit longer.
-
Ha! Yes, what a cheat on MOD. They were more like football shorts than pants and substituted for clothes after a few minutes!
Nice here too and I can see on the webcam it has been beautiful over there.
Hope it continues and enjoy it. Cheers!
-
Mr H was lucky to see a steinbock on his walk today.
-
I've just been watching a recording of a TV programme Michael Portillo's train journey through Switzerland and it was great to watch. I can understand why Hollins loves the place so much. $good$
-
Yes, we watched that too Hugo.
I like those programmes and I think Portillo has found his niche in that job.
-
I was glad of Hugo's quiz and the forum posts today for a little bit of light relief along with my crochet as it hasn't stopped snowing since we arrived.
Highest temperature so far was minus 7, lowest minus 14 degrees.
Minus 9 at the moment.
Hope you all survived the big waves a few days ago.
-
Nice photos Hollins, I was wondering where you were and thinking that it's a while since you last had a holiday, last year in fact! ;D
Enjoy your break but don't bring the snow back with you. Hope that your Mum is making a good recovery after the fall.
-
Yes, thanks for thinking about my mum Hugo.
My sister is in charge for a few days. She lives near her but mum is coping well and goes to the fracture clinic tomorrow for a check up. She is hoping to get rid of the sling but I think it might be another week yet.
-
Thanks Hollins that's good news. $good$
-
Weather report from your friendly Swiss correspondent.........
B....y nippy!!!!!!
-
Any excuse for a hot toddy Hollins. ZXZ
-
Ha! You read my mind Hugo. I am drinking one right now......cheers!
The scenery looked amazing today when the sun came out. It didn't feel too cold when the sun was out but it is minus 13 again at the moment and falling.
Here are a few pics. The first one was where they held the World Cup Grand Slalom a couple of weeks ago.
-
Hollins is dining alone......any one joining me? ;D
-
Thanks Holins, I'll settle for a nice coffee and a large slice of cake. $good$
-
Ok Hugo, Which one would you like? $dins$
-
Hollins,.... thats not fair................ :(
-
I'm not really sure, perhaps I could try a bite of each one before I make my mind up. ;D
-
Did this super walk yesterday.
-
A few more.
-
I hope these pics may be of interest to some.
Mr H bought me a scenic flight for Xmas which flew over the Swiss mountains in this Cessna aircraft.
-
The second photo is looking down on the Jungfrau Joch.
-
Nice pics. Shows how young the alps are with those sharply jagged peaks.
-
Hugo made me promise that if we ever got back to Switzerland that I should post some pics on here to remind him of his own past travels and to see another world.
So here are some walks that we have done over the past fortnight.
As far as the travel goes it was the first time abroad for us since Feb 2000 and it was a bit of a pain doing all the various tests. There were enormous queues for check in going out at Manchester and coming back from Zurich. We had paid a little bit more to go with Swiss in business class and this was money well spent as we avoided all this queuing and you are guaranteed an empty set next to you. Masks had a to be worn at both airports and during the flights.
We had to have proof of vaccination to go into a restaurant in Switzerland. We had to fill in passenger locator forms both ways, take a lateral flow test 2 days before returning and a PCR test on return. All negative so far!
The first set of photos are from a walk we did from Thun to Sigriswil which ends on this amazing bridge. It is called a Panorama walk and it was certainly that with beautiful views of lake Thun below and of the high peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
The second set of photos is the walk called the Gemsweg in Saas Fee where you are surrounded by 4000m peaks which action man was happy to tell me often that he had climbed them most of them in the past!
The third set of photos were taken in Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland. This is a place that we have visited many times over the last 38 years!
-
Gemsweg in Saas Fee.
-
Adelboden.
-
Absolutely stunning photos of that beautiful country and thanks so much for sharing them Hollins. Action man was so lucky to have gone up those mountains, my only claim to fame was that I did go part way up the Eiger but I didn't tell everyone that it was by cable car and only to a chalet on the lower slopes where I enjoyed a coffee with a load of Brandy in it
I'm pleased that you are now able to go abroad but it doesn't seem that long since you were abroad last time "As far as the travel goes it was the first time abroad for us since Feb 2000"
I'm sure that you'd have withdrawal symptoms by now if it was 2000! ;D
-
))*
Sorry Hugo, you are right it should read 2020!
-
That's more like it Hollins $good$
-
Back from a trip to Switzerland. It was hot there too even in the mountains with very little snow on the tops and the glaciers busy melting.
Here's a few pics....
-
A couple more pics.