We headed into Switzerland via Basel and then on
around Zurich in order to drive over the classic alpine passes of Klausen,
Grimsel and Susten. Unfortunately, the Swiss are not as tidy as reputed and had
not swept the snow from these passes, hence they were all closed. With forlorn
hope, we ventured up the Linth valley as far as possible towards the mythical
Klausen Pass. Heading back down, we consoled ourselves with lunch at a folk
festival which had overtaken the cantonal capital of Glarus.
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| The Road up to the Klausen Pass. |
Ross plotted our route to the south west via
Lucerne, Interlaken, Simmental and Gstaad, taking in some lower passes. We
camped in Gsteig, surrounded by impressive 3000 m. snow covered peaks. We had a
solid dinner in the restaurant of the attached chalet. It was built only
recently, using a very effective modern take on traditional log technology. In
the morning, we awoke to a nippy ground frost. I was certainly glad that I had
brought two sleeping bags.
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| Ross about to exhale and toddle off for his morning ablutions. |
We passed over the Col du Pillon and descended into the
ski resort of Les Diablerets, where I had spent a couple of seasons working 38
years ago. Unfortunately, the Café des Sports is no more. Ross listened
stoically as I wallowed in a bit of nostalgia.
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| Les Diablerets |
Blessed with perfect weather, we descended the
valley to Aigle and then on to Martigny where we turned right and climbed an
amusing little road up to the Col de la Forclaz and on into France.
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| The Chateau d'Aigle. |
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