Switzerland and Black Forrest

Brett Says:

July 25 – In the morning Elise and Mom took a dip in the Mediterranean while Dad and I broke camp. They had a great time splashing in the waves and we left for Switzerland around noon. Our drive was filled with breathtaking scenery and quaint little villages. It was a stark contrast going from sea level to high up in the Alps in one day. The girls were swimming in the morning, then were bundled up for about a 50 degree night! We decided to camp in a deep mountainous valley near Stechelberg, which is south of Interlaken.

July 26 - The activities for the following day were left to me to plan. I led our clan through a rigorous yet enjoyable and efficient day hiking on the Gimmelwald side of the valley. We had fairly cloud-free views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. We were powered by some delicious Alpenkäse (cheese) and Alpenbutter that we had purchased that morning. The sights were truly indescribable so I hope I have enough battery to post some pictures. About 2/3 of the way through our hike we stopped at a little farm place that was also a restaurant. Needing some protein, we decided to order some milk shakes despite the high price (5.50 Swiss Franks, about $7). What we received was the literal interpretation of milk shake which was ice cream free. Though still tasty, we had some good laughs over this difference. Our most exhilarating experience of the day (yes, even more so than the milk shakes) was at Sprutz waterfall. I had misread my information and thought that we were just taking a little shortcut that would provide a nice view of the falls. When we arrived I found out that we were actually going to hike behind the falls, then climb up a slippery, wet, unprotected row of stairs. At our elevation one could easily plunge to an imminent, yet very scenic, demise. Thankfully, we all made it safely past this obstacle and all the way back down to camp.

July 27 – We hung out in Interlaken for awhile that morning before heading off towards the Black Forrest. The drive was scenic and exciting in places. We found a campground about 40 miles SW of Stuttgart and had a wet but relaxing evening. I had a good time speaking German with the campground staff. They were very complimentary despite my bad grammar and I think appreciated the fact that I was trying. Dad and I speak about the same amount of German which has come in handy, especially in the more rural areas where English speakers are sparse.

July 28 – We broke camp fairly early and drove to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We found a campground that has free internet! Hallelujah! Which is what I am currently using. We are about to head out so we will write about Rothenburg later. Blessings to all!



BA