Switzerland: Wednesday Sept 16

Dear Friends and Family,

For our second day in Gimmelwald, Kathy and Lee decided to hike to a summit, which was a little intense for me. So I hiked in a different place. However, my hike was way cooler because it went underneath a waterfall (called Spurtz waterfall- see pictures). Even though my hike was no where as difficult as Kathy and Lee's, it was still difficult at times, especially at the beginning. It ended u being a 400 meter increase in altitude in a planned 45 minute walk (I think it took me longer, but I wouldn't know because for the entire trip the only sources I had for time were Lee, Kathy, and my computer). Anyway, the first little part of the hike was great because it gave fantastic views of Gimmelwald (where we stayed). At this point my camera started getting angry at me and flashed the almost out of battery light. I was sad. Fortunately, I had enough battery to take pictures later.

After about 10-15 minutes into the hike, it started to rain lightly. Fortunately, I had made it to the forest portion of the hike, where I was sheltered from the rain. After hiking for what felt like forever (because of how steep it was) I reached the falls. The ascent was totally worth it for the view of the falls.

At this point, I had the option to go back to Gimmelwald from the direction I came or to continue up and then go down a paved, gently sloping path. I chose option two. After about a gazillion switchbacks I made it to a ridiculously small town, with approximately 15 people and shocker, more cows. I soon found the paved path and began my descent. I quickly found a bench with tree cover and had lunch. While I had not passed anyone after Gimmelwald, at this point I passed about 10 people. One I saw was a 60 year old man who had come down from a house in the forest. It turns out he lives there (he called it his "little hut"). He was also clearly native and spoke with broken English. We chatted for a bit, but then he continued on his way and I continued with my lunch. After, I hiked down to Murren where I caught the gondola back to Gimmelwald where I took an awesome picture of a bridge (see picture). At the hostel, I showered (which was an experience because you paid for a 5 minute shower where it would stop every now and then, but then you had to push the start button again. It ended up being incredibly efficient). I then took advantage of an incredible internet connection. I even was able to go a few steps outside the hostel and show my mom and Eugenia (my friend from Stanford) views of the Alps via Skype since our hostel was situated right in the Alps. (Hopefully this will teach all of you to be on Skype all the time).

We then hung out at the hostel (there is not much to do in Gimmelwald but appreciate the views of the Alps) and met a bunch of really cool people. We ended up getting a pitcher of beer and a couple pizzas from the bar in the hostel. Kathy taught us this awesome card game which she calls "Ya." Again, I give you permission to make fun of Lee because he won ZERO times, while I won about 75 percent of the time. Thus, ended another awesome day in Switzerland.

Love,
Rosalie