This morning...amidst the fog, we could see that it was going to be a pretty sunny day....so it was up the mountain again for us.
There were no less than 8 cable car rides, snow fights and snow men, revolving restaurants and the James Bond theme song running through my head all day.
It was a trip to Schilthorn - a mountain peak at nearly 3000 metres above sea level.
Schilthorn, and the revolving restaurant at its peak (called Piz Gloria) are the scene stealers in the James Bond film "On her majesty's secret service". In winter, the Schilthorn is the traditional start for the worlds longest downhill ski race....and I can totally see why now that I have been to the top.
So...driving 5 minutes down the road from our chalet we came to our first cable car ride for the day....not before being held up by 'peak hour' Swiss-style....
Traffic.......
We took our first cable car from Stechelberg (at a measly 922 metres) to Gimmelwald (at 1400 metres)....going up past the cliffs that form the valley.
Our climb begins.....
We got to Gimmelwald and immediately jumped on the next cable car.....up to Murren (at 1634 metres).
Coming into Murren
We were still in 'grass territory' (below the snow line). The mountain seemed so steep that I am not quite sure how people could ever walk up it!
We headed up in to the snow.....and the next stop (and cable car), Birg (at 2500 metres).
Once we left Birg, we were well into the snow....and nearly to our destination, Schilthorn.
Coming into Schilthorn station. There had been quite a bit of snow in the last day so everything looked very pristine........
We made it!!! All the way to Schilthorn (at 2971 metres).
The view from the top was truly magical.....the sun was shining, the snow was gleaming and everything looked 'chocolate box' perfect!!!
Looking over to the 'Big 3' mountains....the Eiger (on the left) the Monach and the Jungfrau.
Like I mentioned previously....there is a revolving restaurant at the top of this mountain. The perfect spot for a coffee/hot chocolate and to watch the mountains spread out beside us as we slowly took it all in......
The restaurant takes 55 minutes to complete at 360 degree turn. In the distance you can see Interlaken and the Brienzersee lake.
Eloise enjoying the view
Gorgeous
This restaurant and the building was used in a James Bond film....and I tell you what....they are milking that fact for all they can....even the windows have "007" on them!!!
After a hot drink...the kids were keen to get out into the snow and have some 'real' fun....
Eloise - seconds before she hit me with a snowball.....see the cheeky grin.....
Shane out in the snow with jeans and sneakers (although at least his were Gortex!)....
Not really the best footwear for playing in the snow.....
Gorgeous again......
My snow bunnies with their new friends....
Eloise with her new Swiss cow, called "Cow-ie".....she put a lot of thought into that!
Neve with her "snow baby"......(a 'not quite' snow man)....
Just an amazing place.....a fantastic time......
Of course all good things must come to an end.....so it was back down the mountain for us.....
Back down past the snow line....
This was on the second cable car back down (so number 6 for the day!)
We stopped in Murren for lunch in a little Swiss restaurant.....the views were as delicious as the meal.....
Then down into the valley we went....
Almost there......
It was truly one of those days that you will remember always. The views, the fun.....just incredible. We are truly so lucky to be able to have experienced things like this and to have had such amazing weather for this and also our trip to Jungfrau on Monday....
It is now one week to go on this crazy adventure. This time in a week we will be boarding our flight back home. While we have been constantly reflecting on all that we have seen and done I am not sure that the reality of it all will hit until we are back at home and back into 'normal' life. I am so grateful that we have had this opportunity and I am utterly blessed with a fabulous, funny, handsome and tolerant husband, along with 2 beautiful girls who are not only best friends in every sense of the word, but who have embraced every day and every culture with acceptance and enthusiasm.........this is something to cherish for a lifetime!
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