Adventure Revival

My mountain climbing buddy, Leo Palicte created a group in FB, the Sandawa Apo Mountaineering & Ecology Club HCDC Chapter. It was our climbing club in college. Many has responded after the creation. He invited us for a meeting; also a great time to reminisce our happy experiences in mountaineering, beach hopping and gimmicks. 

And yes, I attended the meeting. Nothing serious, it was all fun. Pizza was unlimited and beer was flowing. Laughter was loud for every stories that we all shared.

Most of us agreed to go to the beach or go camping, not climbing yet since some accepted they need to undergo training or exercise to be fit again.

I took photos for each of them and as a group. The waiter took picture for us but unluckily, this one is kinda blurry.

We are looking forward for the next plan..

In Her Majesty's Secret Service, Switzerland

On our second day at Gimmelwald, we were confused to visit Schilthorn Piz Gloria or not. Its where James Bond "In Her Majesty's Service" was filmed and was released in 1969. Piz Gloria is the name of the revolving restaurant in Schilthorn, near Murren at Bernese, Oberland, Switzerland. It is claimed to be the first revolving restaurant at 9,744 feet. We were so sure that the place is amazing.

From Gimmelwald, we took the cablecar to Murren. We shopped some food and drinks using their market bag. Enjoyed the view at the same time. Murren is kinda touristy. We decided not to go up to Schilthorn because its expensive, it's 85 francs/4,780 in peso back and forth. We can trek from Murren but we have no time anymore. Its our last day and it requires 4hours to reach the peak and 4 hours going down.

We took a train to Allmendhubel.

Just when we stepped out of the train, I was not in control, I took lots of photos. The place is breathtaking! Spectacular!

A nice restaurant stood there.

We sat on the bench, feel the mountain breeze, enjoy the views some more, appreciate God's creation and took more photos.

There we saw the Schilthorn peak and dreamed of it.

Schilthorn is near yet so far.
In our minds we will be back to climb the mountain. We just dont know when.

We left Allmendhubel and walked through their flower trail.

Wild flowers of different variety made the trail so lovable to walk. Photos, photos, photos...

We descended through the north face trail. I never knew that it was the North face trail until my friend told me. I cant believe it! We were on the north face trail! using a market bag not a backpack! Hahaha...

We passed another quiet village just below Schilthorn. What a place to live, so peaceful...

It was a long walk but easy trail. We passed an avalanche zone but sans snow because its summer. We saw an avalanche protection for the first time that are constructed with three legged wood that anchors downhill. They are installed in the parts of potential paths of avalanche to retard the snow to slide and prevent destruction of human life, animals and properties.

I was enjoying our trek at the same time learning. How blessed I am to visit the place. This part of the universe is still ecologically balanced, flocks of birds are flying, butterflies are sucking nectars, animals eat grass healthily, trees are green and air is fresh to breath.

As we descended lower and lower, we realized we were at Murren again.

As we continued trekking, we arrived at Gimmelwald contented but wishing for more days to stay but we have to leave the next day...

It was another day in paradise so I say.

One day will be back to witness the location of  "In Her Majesty's Service", Schiltorn....

Gimmelwald, Switzerland - one of God's Landscape

Gimmelwald Switzerland! I never knew this place before until three months ago my friend introduced me to this majestic place. It was a very brilliant idea. After all the research where to go in Switzerland we picked Gimmelwald. I saw great photos at the internet but I thought that the photos are just mere reflections of the place.

We arrived Geneva past 11pm and rested at City Hostel Geneva. Hostel is nice, clean and just five minutes walk from the train station. How I love Geneva! Train service is very efficient and its absolutely free ride from the airport. You just get a free pass at the machine before going out from the airport.

The next day, we were scheduled to visit Gimmelwald for two nights. Fare is quite high from Geneva, it's 75 francs one way or 4,250 in peso. Its three hours travel. Three trains, one bus and one cablecar.
1. Train from Geneva to Bern
2. transferred to another train from Bern to Interlaken
3. transferred another train again from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrannen
4. then bus from Lauterbrannen to Stechelberg
5. Then last is cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald.

Upon arriving at Lauterbrunnen, I was almost in panic to get photos. The place is picturesque! But we have to ride the bus before missing it.

At Stechelberg, Im not in control already. The place is spectacular!

But we have to keep moving to catch the cable car on the way up to Gimmelwald.

At last, we were on Gimmelwald! Its 4,485 feet high.

Oh my God! The place is breathtaking! I never thought that the place looks so good. I felt like it was a heaven on earth. I was really tired but the place was too good to be missed. So we jumped immediately after checking in. It was cold and we were on our jackets to keep us warm. I love it! The mountains in snow caps brings peace in me.

The quietness of the village is very invigorating. All the people there must have a restful sleep Im sure. I think they dont know about insomnia! It doesnt exist there. War doesnt exist there too.

My eyes were feasting on the houses built on the mountain. I love the rustic designs.

The flowers are everywhere, in the garden, in front of their homes, hanging in their windows, in their front yard, in their door, in the road....it's really everywhere. I love flowers a lot, it brings joy in me. It's absolutely a gift from God.

The long road took us to the forest. On our way back, we took the opposite way. It was a bit higher portion of the village. The more we go up, the more it gets better and more beautiful!

I must describe this place as:

GOD's LANDSCAPE!

We dozed off for our next day adventure.

Excited

Few days from now, Im going for a business trip to Paris. ABS-CBN will hold its Kapamilya Fiesta World in Paris with Guns & Roses stars Robin Padilla, Bea Alonzo, Diether Ocampo, also with Angel Locsin & Zanjoe Marudo. This will be another opportunity to see the world, to appreciate God's creation, to admire creativity, to love history, to embrace culture and taste great food.

After Paris, we will proceed to Prague

Then to switzerland in the city of Geneva and the famous Interlaken. I'm excited to climb the alps.

The places I mentioned are all picturesque. I must have an empty 2gb to 8gb SD card to keep photos and memories to share.

This must be a good trip...