We strolled along a level paved path enjoying the fantastic views and easy pace. Combined with the cows and their bells, cliff walls and waterfalls, we were experiencing perfection.
Tour Day 5: Trummelbach Falls, Swiss Chocolate and Cows, and a Fondue Dinner!
Unfortunately, our first day in the Alps was rather rainy. So, Andrea moved our Trummelbach Falls visit to this morning instead of tomorrow in hopes that we would have better weather for hiking and such the next day. We still had a marvelous day! First was the already damp Trummelbach Falls. Then, a chocolate demonstration in Interlaken along with a tasting which was divine! After time for lunch we got back on the bus to head back to Murren. Brett and I asked to be dropped off in Lauterbrunnen so we could do the valley floor walk back to Stechelberg (pink line across the bottom of the map) where we would catch the gondola's back up to Murren. Deb went with everyone else back up to Murren as she was cold. It was not a problem because though we were travelling together we are all good independent travelers. Dinner was on our own.
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Pro-tip: I have a DSLR camera and wanted to take pictures of the falls without my camera getting wet. To do this I brought along a plastic bag and some masking tape, putting the open end at the back of the camera so I could operate it. I then cut a hole in the closed part and taped it to my lens so that only the very front was not covered by the plastic bag. It worked quite well in protecting my camera from the spray of the falls.
Swiss Chocolate!!Since it was raining out we headed to Interlaken and an optional chocolate demonstration and tasting that I think everyone decided to do. We paid 10 Francs each and learned a lot about the processing of chocolate...and got to taste a lot of chocolate!! That was the best part! Definitely worth it and oh so delicious! I recommend it if you find yourself with a rainy day while in Switzerland. We then wandered the town until it was time to get back on the bus. Some in our group took this chance to get a green Swiss Army Knife, which you can only get in Switzerland.
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A Peaceful Stroll in the Swiss Alps!The bus dropped Brett and I off in Lauterbrunnen so we could walk back to the gondola station in Stechelberg along the valley floor. Even with the rain it was a wonderful stroll. First we went past the local cemetery all beautifully maintained with colorful flowers of all kinds. We then made the acquaintance of some sheep and cows with their bells tinkling. It was so peaceful just watching them eat and listening to their bells as they moved. One cow was especially curious about us and I just fell in love with him! We also came upon a vending machine that someone had to sell their cheese from, and walked along the rushing river. Simple, peaceful, wonderful.
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Swiss Fondue!!We love fondue!! We have it anytime we get together, twice! So, cheese fondue in the Swiss Alps was a must for us. We asked at our hotel where the best place in town for it was and we were directed to Restaurant Stagerstubli. The tables are in back so when you enter proceed in that direction as you wouldn't know there is all that space from the front. We ordered the fondue and asked our waitress which wine she recommended to pair with it, and her recommendation was spot on! It married perfectly with the bread and cheese. She was wonderful and kind. After our amazing and very enjoyable meal we wandered the streets of the small town back to our hotel as it had stopped raining. It was a wonderful and relaxing evening!
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