Hello everyone!I'm back from another extended holiday in Switzerland, and boy did I have a wonderful time exploring new places.
Look closely at this photo - can you see the small lighthouse, with a bench, at the end of the pier? One morning I was sitting on the bench to watch the sunrise over the mountain top and was startled by a naked woman. She stood up to dress after taking a swim in the lake. I'm not sure who was surprised more, me or the lady swimmer. When I started walking back I passed the woman, in a sundress, sitting on a blanket, smoking, and talking with a friend.
With temperatures ten degrees (f) warmer than usual, in September, locals were enjoying every minute, swimming in the lakes, fountains, sitting in the sun, BBQ's at sunset, and more. Even I jumped into the lake for a swim! Sorry to disappoint... I stepped out of dry clean only shorts but left everything else on :).
A lunch date in Zurich
Imagine taking the train for 2.5 hours to meet someone, enjoy lunch and a stroll through a new city. I met Kim through a virtual running group while training for the London Marathon.
In addition to spending the day getting to know each other, Kim provided a lovely walking tour through old town. We walked through churches, local shops, buying tea grown in the Alps, and meeting a woman who makes/sells schnapps.
Evian
This wasn't my first trip to Evian but I wanted to see the Evian Springs and learn about the history of this village.
If you search 'legend of the rider and the hermit' you can read the complete story but Cachet Source, which might be magical. Bring a container, or six, to fill. There are two fountains close together, this is Cachet Spring. There was a constant line of locals getting water during my visit.
Did you know, unless labeled, you can drink from almost every fountain throughout all of Switzerland?
As I walk the streets of old European villages I often wonder who lived in villages 200+ years ago. Was life simple yet hard or simple and quiet.
Rochers De Naye
A friend and I had lunch at the summit on day and found this amazing Alps trek, 2,000 meters above Montreux. Next spring Bill and I will take the funicular to this landing (left), and hike three hours to the summit. Look at the trail system, amazing. This is a hidden gem that I can't wait to experience.
Fairy Cave
My neighbor has been asking me to visit St Maurice for years, I finally made it!
Legend says... a gracious and good fairy named Frisette had her palace in the cave. She was protecting the noble Dunn Family.
Fountain of the Fairies: Place your left hand in the lower fountain, make a wish but never share it, and express gratitude to the nymph on another visit. Can you see the woman in green?
After a 504 meter walk into the mountain, I reached the underground lake. It's cold here (49F), there is a little ice on the tunnel walls leading to the lake. Now to find my way out!
You might notice that Magic and Legend surround Lake Geneva. From sea nymphs and fairies to the mountain tops.
My must see and weekend adventure list keeps growing. Next spring I hope to hike CinqueTerre Italy, and visit Milan. Both are just four hours from Vevey.
Have you been to this part of the world?
Have any fun travels coming up... cabins, family reunion, or a trip of a lifetime?
