Just getting into Switzerland was a joy. Going over mountain passes and communing with cattle was an uplifting experience.
These cows sporting wonderful bells came right up to our car.
Switzerland was a place that really and truly looked like a picture postcard everywhere we went. From the mountains to the cows with their classic (large!) bells.
The sound of the cow bells could be heard softly clanging from quite a distance. Which, I guess, must be the point of them. But it was also a pleasant sound.
This was our road less travelled. Especially after our experiences on the autobahn.
The boys were so thrilled to find snow, we stopped multiple times to indulge them.
Arriving in Lauterbrunnen we were dazzled by the beauty of the town and the surrounding mountains.
One of the classic Swiss chalets in Lauterbrunnen.
The cluster of mountains around the Eiger just East of Lauterbrunnen.
We hiked multiple times through the area. The views of the mountains and flowers were spectacular.
Heidi's house (obscured by clouds).
The hills are alive . . .
Around every corner was a new and magnificent vista.
Griffin shows off his new swiss army knife.
The trail less traveled.
The tracks of the funnicula that took us straight up to begin the climb to Piz Gloria.
The huge natural area was connected with gondolas and narrow gauge railways that made access possible (and exciting!)
Looking back to the half way station on the gondola to Piz Gloria and an unparalled view in all directions.
Piz Gloria is a restaurant perched atop the Schilthorn peak. The views in all directions were indescribable.
Although we enjoyed a few chips, most of them went to the friendly feathered residents who greeted us - and could perform arial acrobatics to catch a chip tossed into the abyss.
Quinn, in his constant quest for snow, left the security of the platform to scavenge for snow on Schilthorn's scree.
A view of the Eiger and the Monch and on the left, the halfway station where we swiched gondolas on our way to the peak.
The gondola ride back down to tree line
The lovely town of Murren nestled in the shadows of the Schilthorn.
On our way to Gimmelwald.
The small farming community of Gimmelwald is a remote town not accessible by car.
One of the locals wishing us godspeed.