26 March 2015 - Last day of skiing and last day in Switzerland

We are feeling pretty weary but mustered our strength to enjoy the last day in Switzerland and the last day for skiing.

As I had only a 5 Day ski pass, mine had expired.  I was able to borrow another camper's pass (and pay the difference) so I could go up on the slopes today.  The kids had, by some fluke, 6 Day ski passes so they were right.

The weather forecast determined the slopes we chose today and even so, the visibility was minimal at times.  We all took the train to Kleine Scheidegg and there were very few people up there when we arrived.  

Local bus stop

Our train

My group today comprised nine skiers and we headed down the familiar run from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen.  Some of the skiing was wonderful but after Allmend, the piste hadn't been groomed at all and it was lumpy and icy and hard work.  Still, it was mostly fun and enjoyable and as I took off my ski boots for the last time this holiday,  and possibly forever, I reflected on the fantastic opportunity we have had and the excellent week overall.  Thank you Oak Hall!

Just to prove we were there!

Cafe at Wengernalp - not open yet as we were early

Edge of the world!

Annika and I took the train back to Lauterbrunnen, explored the local Co-op and flagged down the post bus back to our  accommodation.  It was a terrific relief to take off my boots and give my feet some space to recover from the hammering I have given them!

Local Lauterbrunnen sheep farm

Frisky young calves!

Trummelbach

Our beautiful environment

Our afternoon plan was to take Luke up to the Schilthorn and despite his protests, we finally got going.  Annika, Luke and I walked through a few bus stops instead of waiting and then boarded the bus to Schilthornbahn.  We took the four gondolas up and up to the Schilthorn or Piz gloria as it was known in the James Bond movie.

Heading for James Bond Museum

Trummelbachfalle bus stop

Gondola heading for Schilthorn

Lauterbrunnen was grey and a bit drizzly, and most of our gondola ride was through cloud but about 50 metres from the Schilthorn, we broke through cloud to brilliant blue sky and mountains!  there was a collective gasp of awe in the gondola as our fellow passengers (a Chinese tour group) started snapping their cameras loudly and shoving each other for a good view.

Top of the world - the Swiss Alps!

We made a rapid escape from the crowd to the James Bond Museum where Luke and Annika enjoyed all the hands on exhibits. It really was fun and worthwhile visiting.  We can't wait to watch the movie again when we have settled in Germany.

Extraordinary views!

Over 2000 metres up and the view is stunning!

I think these are the famous Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau

Out on the observation deck, the view was amazing.  The cloud below was so dense that we really couldn't appreciate how high up we were.  The mountains were simply stunning.

More mountain tops!

We did venture back to the revolving restaurant so Luke could look at the rock display and have a treat.  The prices, like the rest of Switzerland, are over the top so thankfully all our main meals are catered for.

Local rock display - rose quartz

Amethyst

Morion

The whole display

View from revolving restaurant

Luke chose the treasure chest ice cream - clever packaging made the amount deceptively larger than the actual!

Gondola approaching Schilthorn through the clouds

James Bond ski slope - black run, which Tim did 3 times on his 3rd day ever of skiing!

The afternoon was running away from us and by the time we were taking the gondolas down, it was getting late. As we neared the valley, the glacial formation was clear as the position of the gondola was perfect to look right down the valley. The gondola and bus were well coordinated and we finally got back for the joy of packing our bags once again, in preparation for our journey tomorrow.

Sheer cliffs nearing Stechelberg

Obvious glacial valley

Luke has been over active and leaping about for the last few days so he is ready for a time of consistency and routine.  His big news of the day is that his wobbly tooth finally fell out!

Toothless!

As the evening program involved going to Wengen this evening, we decided it was better for us to stay back, pack and gather our thoughts before moving on.  Tim was particularly exhausted after hammering the slopes with constant skiing  on  minimal food and fluid so he requested to rest.

We have so enjoyed this week with our various activities.  Karl and I have divided our time supervising Luke well and we have both had a break as well.  It has been lovely talking to other folk as well.  The group has been a good mix of ages and there are plenty of conversations to be had.  We have been inspired and hope others have been inspired by us!