I am trying to do one short post a day until I get to the "meat" of the trip (still working on it).
We drove through the alps on the way down to the coast and the way back. The air was clean and pine-fresh. I loved it.
Several things stood out to me.
1. The wonderous wild flowers. I had to take some pictures. (I already posted the one with the butterfly).
Some were so small and fragile that they don't show up on the photos unless the pixel is quite large (so I won't post the others).
2. There were sheep and herders on the highlands. It was amazing to watch one (I assume) man herding such a large amount.
3. If you can believe, there were bikers going UP the 6% (at times) grade. I should have taken a few more pictures at key moments, some were older (with gray hair) and there were both men and women.
(As an aside, the Tour De france is currently in progress and the bikers must go up some of the mountains during th race. Here is a map--click on the map itself to enlarge. The French take their biking seriously!
There was even a few people with ski poles and little skis with wheels on them going UP (if you know the name of the sport, let me know).
They gained my respect even more when I had to hike just a little to the glacier and was out of breath in the high altitude!
4. There were some fortresses well above the tree line. How did they build those? (this picture was taken on the small aircraft ride).
At the summit there was the bunkers for the maginot line. I wish I had taken a picture, but it was when I was recharging the batteries. Anyhow, the magiot line was built before WWII and the French thought these strategic bunkers could prevent the Germans from invading. They didn't consider that the Germans would invade Belgium first then take France from that direction. We saw the door into the bunkers but I was too afraid to go in them by myself. The door was half blocked with snow but I could have climbed over it and into the bunker, which I didn't.
5. Some roads we went on were so narrow that there was no place for anyone to even pull off while the other passed. It was nerve racking!
Yes, we did go over the last one. Even Günter's father was nervous looking over the edge and wouldn't allow me to lift Niki up to show him.
Awesome pictures! I often wonder why my great grandparents left Switzerland for America -- it had to be hard to leave behind such beautiful scenery. I never tire from seeing mountains, open vast spaces, clear lakes and pine trees. Sometime you'll have to explain your transportation. Did you drive two vehicles -- your car plus the camper van? Checking your blog is a highlight of my day!
Posted by: Dana at July 21, 2008 05:17 PMThe first pic of the van...the bikes looked like Christmas lights at first and made me think of Chevy Chase in European Vacation! haha!
(btw...the roller skis are what skiers use to train on the roads when they aren't on the snow! Don't know if there is actually an official name for it...)
Posted by: Angi at July 22, 2008 01:17 AMOh WOW! I guess I do not need to travel the world to see all that I want to - you are doing it for me! I'm loving all these pictures.
It is SO beautiful over there!! I cannot believe the efforts/dangers some people go through to bike all the places they do!
It was so great to talk to you on the phone the other day!!
Posted by: Kari at July 22, 2008 03:47 AMWow! The scenery is soooo beautiful! There's nothing more beautiful than Europe's landscaping. Oh, did I mention how beautiful it is? Lol. And, ya, I think I would be scared to drive on those narrow roads. Yikes!
Posted by: Jeni at July 22, 2008 09:44 PM