A Postcard from Lake Geneva

For our second week in Switzerland, we moved to a quiet little campsite in Chatel Saint Denis close to Lake Geneva. While the scenery was not so dramatic, it was still incredibly beautiful. We were drawn to the lakeside a few times .... it was a lovely quiet spot for an evening stroll.

I would have loved a trip on this steamer, but it whizzed in and out so fast, while we were still dithering about, we literally 'missed the boat'. Oh well! 

In the distance we could see Chateau Crillon, which also looks worth a visit, but not with a dog sadly.

There are miles and miles of flower filled borders around the edge of the lake at Montreux.

And every so often you come across a quirky piece of sculpture, which could be anything at all. We saw cars, bikes and even a bathroom sink.

This statue of Freddie Mercury is probably the most popular in Montreux. It was so busy, I had to queue up to take a quick snap. It pays tribute to the wonderfully flamboyant singer who had a home here.

Further around the lake at Vevey, we found an enormous fork. I did say the sculptures were 'quirky'. It was near a museum devoted to food. No sign of the knife and spoon though!

Another popular stop .... Charlie Chaplin, who lived here for over twenty years

But my favourite sculpture of all has to be this lovely lady ready to take the plunge!

So, what did we make of Switzerland?

If I had made a list of what I expected to see, then it was all there...

Incredible lakes and mountains

Amazing chalets

The Swiss flag is everywhere .... absolutely everywhere.

Woodcarving is a national speciality .I loved this wise old bear.

And there are cowbells by the thousand .....

Our campsite was surrounded on three sides by fields of cows. The bells ring when the cows are eating.

Did you know that cows eat all through the night. I didn't .... but I do now!!!!

A Postcard from the Jungfrau

So, we've been home for a few days and I've had a bit of time to catch my breath and reflect on the highlights of our holiday. 

Our first week was spent in Matten, near Interlaken in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. 

I promise you, this is the view from our caravan, it's not a postcard. 

Regular readers may recall that our trips away usually involve looking at rock. We were here to fulfil Mr B.'s long held wish to see the Eiger, and it didn't disappoint.

This was our first glimpse, from the little town of Grindelwald ......

We stopped for a cold drink in a beautiful chalet hotel, and Mr B found a way to take a closer look.

Boys' toys!

Later in the week we took a little train up to Kleine Sheidegg, an hour's climb into the mountains with the most amazing views.

Inca was a bit nervous getting on the train and had to be lifted up, but she soon settled down at our feet as we rose higher and higher.

One man and his dog heading for the hills.

While Mr B. was transfixed by the mountains ahead, I was delighted to find the meadows were filled with Alpine flowers.

 After a short walk we came upon the most beautiful lake.

Inca was straight in! A welcome reward for her patience on the train!

We noticed that all around the lake were huge boulders inscribed with the names of all those climbers who have lost their lives on the Eiger. Personally, I think everyone who is planning the climb should be made to come here first.

 

There are even more harrowing tales in the exhibition inside this little hut.

 While Mr B. was happy to sit and gaze at the mountains, I enjoyed sitting on this bench .....

my shoes were off, and my feet were dipped in the bubbling waters of the fountain. Refreshing at first, but flipping freezing after a few minutes, with the water coming straight from the glaciers above!

Lots more postcards to come x