Switzerland with Geoff, Shaun and Thomas.  A month later than usual so that hopefully we can go a little bit higher in the mountains.

Sunday 27th June 2004:  The flight out with marvellous views of Paris and then Lake Thun.

Monday: We caught the train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen then we started the climb to Mannlichen (the cable car is heading to our destination)

After Mannlichen we walked to Kleine Scheidegg and re-traced the Jungfrau Marathon route to Eigergletscher and then followed the Eiger Trail under the North face of the Eiger.  It is possible to see the ladders used when starting to climb the North Face proper!

The trains were not running on time, even Swiss trains can have problems, so we had a long wait in the sunshine.  This meant that we missed our Post Coach to Habkern and we therefore decided to eat out.


Tuesday:  A visit to the village shop in Habkern commenced the day as usual then we walked to Traubach and Hohgant

Wednesday:  This was a rest day, well it was meant to be.  Instead of walking we cycled around Lake Thun which was approximately 35 miles.

Thursday:  We headed to Lauterbrunnen again and then up to Obersteinberg.  We have been trying to get there for at least two years but there has always been too much snow.  This year we made it.  Although the lake was rather disappointing.  We had the added excitement of a broken bridge to cross.

Friday:  Train to Grindelwald and then Post Coach to Grosse Scheidegg.  It was then that the heavens opened and the wind picked up.  Whilst everyone was heading back off the mountain we put on our waterproofs and carried on to the puzzlement of everyone else.

The weather brightened after a few hours and we attempted to climb the Schwarzhorn but there was too much snow and cloud.  It was only later that we learnt that the path was officially closed.

Saturday:  We cheated and caught the train up the Schynigge Platte and then walked to Grindelwald First via the Faulhorn (2681m 8800ft).  This was an excellent walk but there was a fair amount of cloud most of the time.

Back to Interlaken and then a final meal at the Baren in Habkern

Sunday:  Waiting for the Post Coach