Leaving the bikes at the camp for the day, we walked up Pilatus Mountain following well-marked footpaths (Wanderwegs). through decidous woods with myrtleberry bushes under, then across alpine meadows straight from the 'Sound of Music' poster, with acres of marsh cotton, purple orchids & enormous buttercups. We pass wooden ski lodges closed up for the summer, decorated with antique wooden skis.
At 1,430 metres, just under the snowline, we picnic with a view of the end of the chairlift & the start of the very steep cable car to the summit. This is as far as we can manage today, but hope to return someday to take the rack-railway up the other side. On the way back down, we take a slightly different route, passing through a traditional farmyard, with herds of goats with tinkling bells, & some reindeer. As it is midweek, we have the mountain to ourselves, just a few nordic walkers & mountain-bikers.
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About Us
- Sus and Mike
- In our retirement, cycling Europe (and elsewhere) before we get too old. This blog now has records of our tours of the UK (2007), Western Europe (2007/8), Australia (2008/9), UK to Hungary (2011), the Celtic Tour (spring 2012) and Pacific West Coast tour (Aug to Nov 2012).