This photo is from a NASA telescope. It is named the
“Eye of God”
Another lazy morning started with haze, low clouds and wet streets as I looked out the 13th floor window. I could not see the mountains on either side when I awoke at 5:30.
I checked the net for the super duper deal and went back to sleep til 8. By then the sun was peaking through the haze and clouds and the promise of a sunny day for travcl was in the air.
We filled up on the free breakfast and took our time packing. The train left at 12:39 PM and we spent our last hour in Innsbruck in the shade watching the people, trains and looking for the occasional ski jumper on the Olympic ski jump. No snow on the jump kept the action to a minimum.
As the train headed west the scenery actually improved as the valley narrowed and the mountains appeared to grow taller as they came closer. The peaks are all snow covered and the mountain streams were rushing under the train tracks. This train stopped more often at the small Austrian villages along the way. Every stop was active. The ride is scheduled to be 4 hours long. I picked the shady side of the train. Katy slept in the sun. It is all breathtaking. You should see that ride.
Monday’s pan is firming up thanks to Gary at freefrequentflyermiles.com. He has been in the Swiss Alps several times and has coached us to a train ticket from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and a funiular ride to Murren. If the weather is clear we will then cross the town of Murren to the cable car to the Stitlhorn at 2953 meters high. It sounds like it will all fit in one day. The ticket to Lauterbrunnen was 8.8 euros round trip and Gary has assured us we will enjoy the high Alps much more than the touristy village of Interlaken. Tickets in hand, we are on our way.
The train trip to Zurich reminded me of the Alpine crossing from the east side of the South Island of New Zealand to the west side. People pay big money to take that ride. In contrast, this was working man’s prices and the weekend vactioners and locals were truly enjoying the scenery.
You should consider this train ride if you like mountain scenery.
Upon arrival at the Zurich Hilton, this time we got the upgrade to the Executive floor, internet access in the lounge and free goodies for breakfast and happy hour.
Katy took off on arrival to the Hilton Apartments which were one block away for a date with the washing machine and dryer.
She asked me to let you all know she was no problem at all today and kept up just fine. She really does everyday. I just have to start to believe it.
Photos tomorrow as the internet at the lounge is for their computer only and no photo package available.
The photos did not do this part of the journey justice at all. And the one included above is amazing enough for one day.
Change of Plans
Monday AM and the weather is lousy here. Low ceilings and rain. We will wait until tomorrow to go to the Alps and will instead visit Lucerne today. Out comes the big blue bumble bee poncho again.
