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Posted on August 26, 2012 by Mike

Last night we said goodbye to Aliena, Beanie & Sandro, and went up to the Berghaus for dinner.

Splendid Chateaubriand, cooked by Martina’s dad.

And off home on our little plane from Zurich this afternoon.

Eigergletcher to Kleine Scheidegg

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Mike

Good meal at the Pickel last night, much jollity.

Up to Eigergletscher this morning, and walked down to the lateral moraine. The glacier has retreated about 300 metres in the last 5 years. Dark down here, it feels very exposed.

A bit further down the scree turns to grass, and there are signs of life.

The railway company built this artificial lake 2 years ago. Its purpose is to store water for the snow cannons, but they’ve actually made it look really nice.

Alongside the lake is an old railway building which now houses a tiny museum. Inside you can find out all about the different routes up the north face of the Eiger, which overlooks this area.

The rocks which line the lake have been inscribed with the names of all those who have perished on the face, from the very first in 1935, up to the most recent in 2010.

From the lake, the path descends gently towards Scheidegg.

It’s impossible to resist a glance over your shoulder for one last look at the north face.

Huge lunch of schnitzel & chips, in the Eigernordwand restaurant, naturally.

Folklore, Aliena and a big walk.

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Mike

Last night we met Beanie, Sandro and Aliena for a beer. 5 months since Aliena appeared on this blog, and she’s growing!

Folklore evening at the ice rink. Bell ringers, dancers, yodelling and alphorns.

This morning we set off for a place called Spatenalp, high above the village. Great views on the way.

There’s a farm at Spatenalp, where we get a coffee before we start our descent into the next valley.

The path quickly becomes very steep, with many exposed sections protected by fixed ropes.

Occasionally we get a glimpse of our destination, 1000 metres below in the valley.

After about 4 and a half hours, we finally arrive at Burglauenen, where a train is waiting to take us up to Grindelwald.

From Grindelwald we get the train up to Scheidegg, from where we walk back to Wengen. Lovely old houses at the top of the village.

Our track from this morning:

Eiger Trail

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Mike

The Eiger trail begins up at Eigergletscher, at 2320 metres. It follows the base of the north face down in the direction of Grindelwald.

The path stays very close to the face, which means that most of the walk is in shadow.

Incredible views down to Kleine Scheidegg and across to the Lauberhorn.

The north face is limestone, and is disintegrating. Vast scree slopes to cross.

There’s a lot of water on the Eiger.

Some fixed ropes towards the bottom, providing help on the more exposed stretches.

We arrive at Alpiglen, at 1616 metres, the end of our walk, and just in time to avoid the rain.

Boats and Bells

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Mike

A trip on a steamer today, on Lake Brienz.

We stop at a village called Iseltwald for lunch, then return to Interlaken. A couple of beers on the terrace of Cafe Schuh, watching the parapentes landing on the Hohematte.