Frazier Blog

I woke up to sun drenched snow caped mountains. I found the owner,
Petra and told her what a great place she has. Earlier that morning,
which I did not know, she had a girl tell her it was a bad place and
asked for her money back. Petra than kissed me on the cheek. I told
her not to worry about the girl as now someone else can stay another
night. I tried to stay too and Petra even offered to call my other hostel before
she realized she was out of rooms. She than said I could sleep with
her, but “no action”. Very funny morning exchange. I got ready to leave and headed to the cable car station.

Grabbed a sticker on my way out and said aloud, “this is going on my
car.” Petra heard this and said, “Let me get you a better one”. After
handing me the sticker she than said I have something else for you, and she came back
she came back with a t-shirt. It has the hostel name and location on
the front and on the back it says “If heaven is not what it is
cracked up to be take me back to Gimmelwald”. Love it! Gave her a hug and left. Got to
the station and had to run back as I had left my phone charging on the computer. I really
did not want to leave this place.

After taking multiple train, busses and cable cars I was at the
location of my hike. What a view! First a minor detour to blank, Rick
is right again, the view was well worth the work and 20 minutes. Then
it was on to Kleine Scheidegg where I would catch the train to the top
of Europe.

The views on this hike truly were breathtaking. I was very moved. It
was so beautiful I almost wanted to cry. The mountains, snow, and
flowers. The best word is awestruck. I felt the power of Gods beauty
in this place! Sung a little worship music in my head and then
listened to some Chris Tomlin before going back to just enjoying the
sounds of the Swiss Alps. It was an easy beautiful trail and I had a
blast doing it. I had a permanent grin on my face and everyone else I passed seemed to have
one glued on their faces also.
My camera was low on juice which was a blessing because it made me take fewer photos.
Can’t wait to post them.

I stopped about 45 minutes in and had this as my view during my
picnic. I no longer feel bad about making anyone jealous. That
jealousy will just lead to motivation to come back to this amazing
place with me. Used my new Swiss army knife to cut my baguette and
made a little sandwich. Then back on the trail.

Little caches of snow create small streams and puddles to cross which
just added the fun. Towards the end, the water from a waterfall flows
across the path. I enjoyed watching an elderly couple have a snowball
fight, very cute.

I finished the hike and got my ticket for the Jungfraujoch. As the
train arrived I fought my way past huge tour groups, they’re back, and
scored a coveted window seat. The views were great until we went into
a long tunnel which I was not expecting. After watching the video on the
train it makes sense that you can’t just go on top of these mountains.

We arrived at the top and I found my way outside. Walking towards the
outside bar as I was adjusting to the breathtaking view and bright sun
I hear “pssshpop” And look over to the alpine bar to see the
bartender popping bottles at 11,300ft. If the glass had cost less than 14
I would have had some.

Again I’m not sure it is worth the words to try and describe the view.
As my Austrian friend said “there is just something about the
character of these mountains.” they are imposing and awe inspiring.
At the top there were 5ish peaks around. I was too busy enjoying to count.
After seeing the small summer ski area I decided to pass and
instead moved up my timetable for returning to 6 months and ski season.

I then went up 100m higher in the observation deck. Once again the
sights took my breath away. In between two walls of imposing
mountains lies the longest glacier in Europe. It appears as a smooth
never ending river of snow. I felt a little sick and a slight
headache. I was not sure if I was tired, dehydrated, altitude sick or
a mixture of the three. Therefore I got a coffee and water and soon
felt much better. I would have had another water, but 5 Francs was a
little steep for me.

Even though I was ready to go, I decided to just chill at the top
looking out a window writing post cards. What a great way to spend an
hour. I’d write than gaze, write than gaze and repeat. If you want a
postcard from me and I don’t have your address send it to me.

I caught the last train down and had a great conversation with a man
originally from Mexico and now living in Switzerland.

I arrived in my new town of Grimelwald, the name is so
similar to Gimmelwald but the towns have stark differences. While both
have an impressive view of the Alps, Grimelwald was disappointingly
developed. This was very apparent after spending a night in Gimmelwald and a day in nature.
As I walked towards my hostel it became less developed and I reminded myself this would be a good night to
catch up on sleep and I was happy again.
Upon checking in I found a clean, nice, large hostel. I was
told I could get into the local pool complex but it closed 45 and the last
entrance was in 15 minutes. A swim sounded so good! I hurried to my room, grabbed
my suit and started a jog towards the pool. I made it with one minute to spare.

I headed straight for the waterslide. It was awesome it with lights
inside of it. First little circles on the bottom and then bands going
all the way around. It felt as if you were taking off into a wormhole.
Very twilight zone like. Hit the pool and the water felt very good! It was
was nice to do some exercise other than walking.

Hostel had excellent showers, so much pressure I thought it was going
to take a layer of skin off. If it was not for the lack of a hostel
environment I would have said it was a great one. Back at the hostel I
got ready to leave in the morning at 6:30. Did some blogging and passed
out. Tomorrow I am on my way to my 4th country and my 4th stop. Hello
Italy and Cinque Terra.

Still dreaming,

Paul