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Switzerland 2023
  • Heinz Imhof
Sep – Oct 2023

Switzerland 2023

A 24-day adventure by Heinz Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 19, 2023
    Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Pao de Queijo1

    Wängi - Switzerland

    September 20, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    We embarked on an outstanding journey to Switzerland via Philadelphia. Zürich, where we picked up a compact car, greeted us with exquisite weather and a clear blue sky.

    Adjusting to a manual transmission always takes me a little while. Modern cars are becoming increasingly equipped with electronic features, and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to adjust the side-view mirrors properly.

    Following a brief drive, we reached the quaint farming village of Wängi, where Ursula's brother, Wally, resides. Wally's girlfriend, Marli from Brazil, treated us to a delectable lunch of Pao de Queijo. Delicious!

    In the afternoon, we took two trips to the bank in Aadorf. Incredibly, the speed limit on this 4.5 km stretch of road changed no less than eight times!

    Despite my strong resistance, jet lag intensified as the afternoon wore on, forcing me to nap briefly before dinner.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Jet Lag

    September 21, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    The night didn't treat me kindly due to jet lag, unlike Ursula, who wisely took a sleeping pill.

    The day commenced with a delightful Swiss breakfast featuring options like yogurt, crispy rye bread, savory butter, and delectable Bündner Bergkäse (cheese), thoughtfully laid out by Wally for us to savor.

    As is customary when relatives reunite after a long absence, we engaged in lengthy conversations, reminiscing about past events, and time seemed to pass swiftly.

    In the afternoon, Wally took us on a leisurely drive that culminated at the Migros and Coop supermarkets in Aadorf. There, we procured dinner ingredients, and Ursula found some "goodies" on sale that were on our list to bring back to the US. I couldn't help but admire the cleanliness and meticulous organization of these supermarkets, in stark contrast to the United States. Instead of overwhelming quantities stuffed on the shelves, they offer a wider array of products in smaller portions. Many items tempted my eyes, but I restrained myself and chose only a "must-have" unique cheese.

    Chef Wally's evening dinner was a culinary delight, perfectly complemented by the Rioja Reserva. Around 11:45 p.m., fatigue caught up with me, and I had to excuse myself. The rest of the group soldiered on in their conversations until 3:15 AM.

    It was a splendid and relaxing second day in Switzerland!    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Leisurely Day

    September 22, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌧 59 °F

    The night rain had finally relented as we gathered around the breakfast table. However, the sky remained shrouded in clouds, and the world outside bore the unmistakable marks of a thorough soaking. Consequently, we seized the opportunity to turn this day into yet another leisurely family affair, which I fear may bore you. My apologies for that 😥.

    Wally's girlfriend from Brazil put in a valiant effort to learn our language and worked tirelessly. However, the constant switch between Swiss-German and English in our conversations proved challenging for her. On the other hand, Wally did a commendable job translating from Portuguese, which benefitted me in learning more of this melodious, beautiful language.

    In a surprising recollection, Wally entrusted me with a delicate task befitting my watchmaker skills—replacing the battery in his aging Apple MacBook Pro. Three hours of meticulous work later, the mission was accomplished with a fully charged battery. However, we noticed an issue with the trackpad and keyboard. Wally informed me that this had occurred a few times in the past. I will need to investigate further tomorrow. Apple recommends inspecting the flex cable connections between the trackpad/keyboard and the logic board. It seems I might be on the brink of becoming an electronics engineer!

    Later in the afternoon, we embarked on a quest for eggs from a local farmer and made another visit to Coop for our grocery shopping, among other errands. Time slipped away from us, and before we knew it, we were indulging in a take-out pizza dinner accompanied by a delightful bottle of red wine courtesy of Wally's wine cellar.

    As for tomorrow, our plans entail a road trip to the enchanting Appenzell region. We will purchase "Chällerhocker" cheese directly from our favorite cheese maker and visit some friends in their weekend countryside farmhouse.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Lichtenstein

    September 23, 2023 in Liechtenstein ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Today, we decided to pay a visit to Liechtenstein. Despite my Swiss background, I must confess that I've never had the chance to explore this charming country. My knowledge of Liechtenstein was limited to it being a tiny nation nestled along the banks of the River Rhine, home to a mere 36,000 residents, and sharing borders with Switzerland and Austria. I often came across images of its picturesque castles. I heard tales of its shallow wealth tax rate, which stood at a mere 0.000,007% (although it's worth verifying whether this remains true today).

    Our journey along Highway A1 was swift and effortless, taking just over an hour. Regrettably, we couldn't visit Vaduz Castle due to ongoing renovations that had closed off access. However, Ursula quickly spotted the nearby Vineyards and Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein, a delightful alternative. Enjoying a glass of wine (Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Eiswein) left us with a contented eagerness to explore more of Liechtenstein.

    Following a narrow road, we ascended to Oberdorf, with a stunning view of the Rhine River Valley. Gazing toward Sargans, we identified Burg Gutenberg Castle, perched majestically on a distant hill.

    Our journey led us to a parking lot in Balzers, where we embarked on a hike up to the castle. Today, it belongs to the municipality of Balzers, and although we were unable to explore its interior without a visitor permit, we marveled at its well-preserved exterior. Burg Gutenberg boasts a rich history, with its first mention dating back to 1263 when it was under the ownership of the Freiherren of Frauenberg before being occupied by the Duke of Austria and later the Habsburgs.

    Tonight, we relished a quintessential Swiss meal, savoring grilled OLMA Veal Sausage paired with crispy Rösti Potatoes, expertly prepared by Ursula and her brother, Wally. It was the perfect way to conclude yet another splendid day in Switzerland.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Interlaken

    September 24, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    This afternoon, we reached our friends Kurt and Heidi's place in Interlaken.

    Following an enjoyable "Apero" on their terrace apartment overlooking the Aare River, we embarked on a leisurely walk along the river and through the town. Interlaken was brimming with tourists, with a significant Asian presence. We paused at the expansive meadow opposite the renowned Victoria Hotel to witness the Paragliders gracefully touch down.

    Our meal at Café de Paris, featuring a delectable Wurst and Käse Salat accompanied by crispy French fries, was simply superb.

    The evening unfolded with captivating conversations and eventually drew to a close around 11:30 pm.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Blüemlisalp
    Gamspfeffer with Spätzle and red CabbageGrilled Cheese with Egg

    Sass Fee

    September 25, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    We had a great time with our friends in Interlaken.

    Today, we loaded the car onto the train through the Lötschberg tunnel and quickly visited a lady friend in Natters for coffee and cake.

    Afterward, we took the winding road up to Saas Fee, where we will stay for the next five days.

    Our room at Hotel Les Amis is small, but it has everything we need, and it's pleasantly quiet.

    Dinner with our group at the restaurant Zur Mühle was excellent!

    As a start, we have a short hike planned for tomorrow (pilgrimage route from Saas Grund to Saas Fee).

    The weather is expected to be wonderful and sunny again.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
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    Sass Fee

    September 26, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We were dropped off in Sass Grund by the postal bus, and our guide, Bernhard Schafroth, led us along the Freevispa River, passing the Campground, until we reached the trailhead of The Chapel Trail.

    The Chapel Trail to Saas-Fee takes you through a remarkable journey, passing by 15 small chapels and shrines that were constructed between 1708 and 1711. These chapels depict the mysteries of the Psalter and the three Catholic rosaries: the Joyous, the Sorrowful, and the Glorious. Bernhard, deeply connected to this trail due to its significance to his late mother, wanted to share this experience with us. It was truly enchanting, featuring steps cut into glacier rocks and hiking through serene spruce forests. We took our time, frequently stopping to capture the numerous photo-worthy moments.

    After a relaxing break at the hotel, we ascended with the gondola to Plattjen, where we were treated to an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire Saas Fee valley. Our friend Peter Ulli chose to hike instead and joined us in the summit restaurant two hours and 10 minutes later for a drink—an impressive feat!

    We opted for Pizzeria Poccalino, an excellent restaurant for tonight's dinner, and our chosen dishes met our expectations.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
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    Panorama Trail - Kreuzboden

    September 27, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today, our team embarked on a memorable hike, starting at Kreuzboden at an elevation of 2,400 meters and winding our way down to Sass Almagell at 1,675 meters. To the reader, this may seem like a gentle downhill hike, but in reality, it was anything but.

    The weather couldn't have been more ideal, with perfect temperatures that allowed us to fully appreciate the breathtaking views of the snow-draped peaks.

    We intentionally planned several stops during our journey to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty that enveloped us. Consequently, what was initially estimated as a 3-hour and 10-minute hike took us nearly 6 hours to complete.

    Marli, in particular, impressed us with her resilience, as this was only her second mountain hike. She consistently wore a cheerful smile and often led the group, allowing me to share insights about navigating rocky terrain and other safety tips. We also delved into discussions about alpine vegetation and wildlife.

    Our evening meal brought us back to Pizzeria Poccalino, and we were delighted to be joined by another fellow hiker, Hans Vogler.    Read more

    See translation
  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Friendly Marmot

    Sass Fee - Spielboden

    September 28, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We were transported by a Sass Fee gondola to Spielboden, perched at an elevation of 2,447 meters above sea level. As we ascended, the few scattered clouds dissipated, and after approximately two hours of hiking, we arrived at a small glacier lake at 3,005 Meters.

    Among us was Brad, a fellow hiker from England, who wasted no time shedding his attire and plunging into the chilly 2-degree Celsius water. He took another dip while I captured the daring act on his cell phone. Quite the adventurous soul, I must say!

    Before this aquatic adventure, we had the privilege of observing Marmots and a group of Chamois gracefully traversing a vast glacier rock from a distance.

    Upon returning to the Spielboden restaurant, most of the group opted for a refreshing drink and snacks. A charming Marmot roamed freely among the tables, playfully begging for a share of our fare.

    Meanwhile, Bernhard and Peter decided to embark on a full descent to Sass Fee on foot. By 4:00 p.m., everyone had returned to the hotel, enjoying some relaxation before dinner.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Raclette Dinner

    Lake Mattmark Trail

    September 29, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    I threw open the balcony window early this morning, and lo and behold, another sunny day awaited us in Saas-Fee, with a brilliant blue sky. We've been truly fortunate with the weather so far.

    Today, we hopped on the postal bus and made our way to the Mattmark Lake dam. From there, we embarked on a delightful two-hour hike around the lake, encountering rushing waterfalls, a herd of cows, a tunnel, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It was a truly magical hike.

    Rather than taking the bus back, we decided to hike back to Saas Fee from Sass Almagell. Along the way, I spotted numerous mushrooms, although sadly, they were either past their prime or unfit for consumption. We had the thrill of watching two boys zip-lining across the deep gorge as we arrived at the bridge in Saas-Fee.

    Dinner plans are still up in the air, but four of us are in the mood for some Raclette. Restaurant Vieux Châlet was the answer! Yummy 😋.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Dome - Highest peak in the Swiss mountains2View from our Hotel In Zermatt

    Felskinn - Mittelallalin

    September 30, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today, it's time to bid farewell to Saas Fee and our friend Margaret.

    We left our luggage securely at the hotel before embarking on our final gondola ride to Felskinn - Mittelallalin, which sits at an impressive altitude of 3,000 meters. The vista that greeted us was nothing short of breathtaking, with its stunning views and the awe-inspiring proximity to the surrounding glaciers.

    Later in the afternoon, we packed up our cars and made the short journey to Zermatt, which we'd call home for the next five days. More magnificent mountains, including the iconic Matterhorn, and picturesque hiking trails await our exploration.

    Zermatt has undergone significant growth since my last snowboarding adventure here with my brother Herbert back in 2016. It now resembles a bustling small city. One striking aspect that immediately caught my attention was the noticeable presence of Asian tourists.

    Our accommodation at Hotel Alpine Perren boasts a comfortable 3-star rating. Our spacious double room on the 4th floor provides us with scenic views to the North and East.

    Our evening concluded with a delectable Italian meal at Da Nico. As I write this at 9:30 in the evening, the atmosphere is incredibly tranquil, with only the soothing sound of the rushing River Vispa below breaking the silence.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    11Rosehip BushZmuttZmuttbach BridgeHamlet of Zmutt

    Zermatt

    October 1, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Today's hike commenced from our lodging in Zermatt, setting off on a gentle ascent through the picturesque Zmuttbach valley, partially through larch forests, until we reached the quaint hamlet of Zmutt. Here, we indulged in a well-deserved break, savoring coffee and apple strudel while the majestic Matterhorn remained a constant, awe-inspiring presence in our view.

    Continuing our hike, we passed by the Zmuttbach Water Reservoir, offering a unique perspective of the Matterhorn rarely captured in photographs – a truly remarkable sight. As we ventured further, we met some lady mountain bikers, and the trail led us across the Zmuttbach, guiding us back to Zermatt on the opposite side of the valley. Along the way, we encountered the renowned Mountain Restaurant Furi, and to our delightful surprise, we were joined by Hans and Elisabeth, who had taken a separate route.

    Our evening was capped off with a delightful dinner at Restaurant du Pont, renowned for its delectable dishes hailing from the Wallis mountain region.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
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    Zermatt - Gornergrat

    October 2, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    At 7:30 a.m., I emerged from the hotel and captured a breathtaking photograph of the radiant Matterhorn illuminated by the morning sun, which you can find as the cover photo.

    Today's plan was unanimously agreed upon: an expedition to explore the Gornergrat.

    The most resilient hikers in our group, Peter and Bernhard, boldly embarked on the demanding 5-hour ascent from our hotel to the summit.

    The rest of us chose a different path, opting to board the cog train, which took us to the third stop, Riffelberg, nestled at an altitude of 2,582 meters. From there, we embarked on a scenic 2-hour trek through enchanting alpine meadows to reach the fourth stop, Rotenboden, standing at 2,815 meters. Afterward, we hopped back on the train to reach the summit. It was there that we were taken aback by the considerable presence of Asian visitors, clearly awed by the unique Swiss mountain landscape.

    The weather again favored us, without a single cloud in sight on this perfect, sun-soaked day. The Matterhorn remained a constant and captivating presence throughout our journey, its appearance ever-transforming as we ascended. I had anticipated witnessing fewer glaciers due to the impacts of climate change, but I was entirely unprepared for the staggering degree of their shrinkage.

    Following a revitalizing shower at the hotel and a delightful happy hour drink, we are now preparing ourselves for a delightful dinner at the Restaurant Polliux.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    1View from Sunegga
    Village of Zermatt below1

    Sunegga Hike

    October 3, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    A segment of our party made the choice to embark on an excursion to the petite Matterhorn.

    Meanwhile, Peter, Ursula, and I chose to undertake a hike starting from our hotel, leading us through the enchanting Larch forest to reach Alp Sunegga at an elevation of 2,288 meters.

    The day unfolded as yet another stunning one, affording us remarkable vistas of the Matterhorn. I couldn't resist capturing more photographs of this colossal mountain!

    Peter and I eagerly anticipate unwinding our tired feet and legs at the hotel's sauna, which opens at 4:00 p.m.

    Dinner was at the hotel Restaurant Pollux, which didn't disappoint. Peter and I shared a venison tenderloin with rösti. Yummy!    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
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    Zermatt

    October 4, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Not much to report!

    Today was our last day in Zermatt. The rest of our group went hiking, but Ursula preferred to take a break, explore the town of Zermatt, and do some window shopping. I joined her around 1:30 for a coffee, bratwurst, and Swiss pastry.

    I took the opportunity to snap a few impressions of the town.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    GoodBye Zermatt

    October 5, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Our stay in Zermatt over the past five days was genuinely extraordinary.

    Today, we packed our bags and embarked on a journey by train to Täsch, where we then transitioned to our rental car, embarking on a 4.5-hour drive to Wally and Marli in Wängi, Thurgau.

    Our drive went smoothly until we reached the town of Visp, where an army exercise unfolded, offering me a unique opportunity to capture a photograph of a battle tank.

    Our timing was perfect as we were the second last car that made the 12:20 rail shuttle through the Lötschberg tunnel.

    Before continuing our adventure, we visited my late mother's resting place in Üetendorf. I miss her dearly 😥.

    We enjoyed dining with our friends Kurt and Renata in the evening, joining Wally and Marli at a charming country restaurant renowned for its delectable Rösti potatoes and succulent calf liver. The meal was an absolute delight!

    A stubborn and persistent mosquito kept me company all through the night 🤪.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Wängi

    October 7, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Today had no scheduled activities. Everyone enjoyed a leisurely slumber, awakening close to 11:00 a.m. The picturesque Swiss sky presented itself in blue, without a single cloud. Yet another perfect day in Switzerland.

    Following my sixth unsuccessful attempt to withdraw cash from an ATM, I dialed WFB, only to discover that International Transactions had been disabled. 🤪

    Later in the day, Ms. Kohler, Wally's landlord, extended an invitation to an Apéro. Ruth, who will soon celebrate her 90th birthday, is in splendid physical shape, faithfully attending her gymnastics and water exercise classes each week. Her mental acuity was astonishingly sharp. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of her past adventures, including hiking the Grand Canyons and traveling to Australia during her younger years. Our conversation was quite captivating; older individuals often possess a wealth of experiences from which one can learn.

    After providing Wally's girlfriend, Marli (she is from Brazil), with a Sudoku tutorial and assisting Wally with some Mac issues, he enthusiastically took to the kitchen to prepare a delicious cheese Fondue.

    Tomorrow's itinerary includes a trip to Ipsach, a quaint village near the lake of Biel/Bienne, where Ursula and I grew up, to visit my younger brother Herbert and his wife Annamarie.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Visiting my Brother

    October 8, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    The drive from Wally's house to my brother's place in Ipsach proved quite delightful, thanks to the light traffic, and it only took us just shy of two hours. Switzerland's highway system has undergone significant expansion over the past decade, and many sections were entirely new to me, featuring impressive tunnels that cut through mountains or cleverly bypassed densely populated areas underground.

    Upon our arrival, Herbert and his wife Annamarie welcomed us with open arms. Their contemporary three-bedroom condominium is perched on a hillside overlooking the River Aare, boasting a terrace that provides stunning town vistas and the distant Jura mountains. It had been a while since we'd last seen each other due to COVID, so there was plenty to catch up on.

    As the evening drew near, we reluctantly abandoned the sunlit terrace and moved indoors. Our hosts sprung into action, preparing a gourmet dinner with finesse. Herbert expertly grilled succulent beef tenderloins over charcoal in the indoor fireplace while Annamarie crafted the accompanying dishes in the kitchen. The meal was a gastronomic delight, and a superb Spanish wine brought everything together splendidly!

    Time seemed to slip away as we chatted and enjoyed our meal, and before I knew it, the hands on the clock pointed to 11:55 🫢    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Studying the wine label ....

    Visiting my Sister

    October 9, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Herbert's son Daniel and his wife Klaudija joined us for breakfast. Two incredible individuals united in their determination to combat his terminal health condition.

    After our bittersweet farewells, we made our way to Bad-Säckingen, Germany, to visit my sister Elisabeth. The day was yet another splendid, sun-filled one, and our visit with Elisabeth, though brief, was delightful. She remains in excellent health and possesses a sweetness that increasingly mirrors my Mom's as she ages.

    While in Germany, we took advantage of more affordable food prices and acquired a whole beef tenderloin destined for the grill on Wally's balcony later in the evening.

    The anticipation of that savory meal had our taste buds dancing with delight!    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    Wally's Breakfast Table
    Town of Wägi1Vintage 1996 MG convertibleWalter and Annelies Räss

    Tufertschwil, St.Gallen

    October 10, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Our departure date is rapidly approaching.

    This morning, I stopped at the local dairy to purchase a supply of Cheese Fondue Mix, and I also picked up 1kg of special beef bouillon that Ursula prefers for her cooking.

    Later, we assisted Wally in storing his vintage 1969 MG convertible at an offsite storage facility for the winter.

    In the afternoon, we ventured to Tufertschwil, St. Gallen, where we purchased some exquisite cheese (Chällerhocker) directly from a small processing facility. Walter and Annelies Räss, the gracious owners, even gifted us a Chällerhocker t-shirt.

    After enjoying a refreshing round of beers, we returned to Wängi, where Wally was busy preparing a Diapositive presentation for tonight after our dinner in Pfyn, near the city of Frauenfeld.

    Everything has a beginning and an end - tomorrow will mark our final day in Switzerland.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023

    Konstanz, Germany

    October 11, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Today, we explored the charming city of Konstanz, Germany. Ursula and I brought our passports, just as a precaution, but crossing the border was such a breeze that we hardly noticed it.

    Ursula teamed up with Marli for some shopping and to help Marli find a specific medication for her eyes. In the meantime, Wally and I decided to unwind with a couple of beers and delve into some meaningful conversations.

    Later on, I wandered through the streets in search of photo opportunities, but my efforts were in vain. The lighting was either unfavorable, or there were too many people obstructing the view.

    Konstanz is a vibrant place, teeming with restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses that cater to Swiss residents seeking more budget-friendly options. Our dinner at Umami Sushi & Grill was a delightful experience.

    Upon returning home, Wally and Marli treated us to a scrumptious dessert – Vermicelles with Meringué and a generous amount of sweet whipped cream. A long conversation ensued - thus, we decided to skip the slide presentation, and hit the sack early, given our 6:45 departure tomorrow morning.    Read more

  • Heinz ImhofTravelerSwitzerland 2023
    1

    ZRH-PHI-DFW

    October 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 79 °F

    Regrettably, today is the day we bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland.

    I awoke even before the alarm clock could sound its chime. In a whirlwind of last-minute preparations, we shifted belongings from one near-maxed suitcase to another, ensuring no prohibited items were in our carry-ons. Marli kindly brewed me a delightful cup of coffee. We meticulously combed through every nook and cranny of Wally's apartment, scanning under beds, inspecting the bathroom, and peeking into the shower to guarantee we didn't unintentionally leave anything behind. With warm farewells from our gracious hosts, Wally and Marli, we pulled out of their driveway at 7:50 a.m. and embarked on our journey to the airport with a full tank of gas.

    We had allowed ourselves extra time to catch our 11:45 flight, providing a buffer for returning the rental car, enjoying a leisurely coffee and croissant, and picking up a few "must-haves" at the duty-free shop. Everything unfolded seamlessly as we settled into seats 12A and 12B aboard the 787 aircraft.

    Around 17:15, we soared past St. John, Newfoundland, and by 18:16, we found ourselves exactly 40,000 feet above Jürg & Irene in Halifax. The two are on day #402 of a camper journey through Mexico and North America.

    We landed in Philadelphia right on schedule, navigated through customs with our luggage in tow, and celebrated our return to familiar territory with a glass of wine. Then, we successfully completed the second leg of our journey to DFW, where our friend Mike was waiting to pick us up.

    And so concludes our splendid Swiss vacation. Never before have the autumn months treated us to such splendid weather.    Read more

    Trip end
    October 12, 2023
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