Swiss Alps Trekking
remembering October, my Swiss Alps multi-day hike
After two years of pure motherhood, I wanted to do something that pushed my physical capability and mental strength. Most importantly, I wanted to feel like myself. I saw my neighbour's adventure photos and was in love with the company she used, which provides women-only trips. Perfect! The thought of being part of a group of women who shared my passion for adventure was comforting, and I find it less intimidating when it is all the same sex.
I booked the "Trekking the Swiss Alps", a 6-day hike in the Swiss Alps. Exploring the Bernese Alps along the Via Alpina starting below the famous Eiger mountain. This is the kind of adventure that Henry and I will do together. However, our circumstances have changed since we began having Atlas, and we have no support systems, which is perfectly fine for me as this is temporary. We love our outdoor adventures as a family :)
I loved every second of the trip. I was impressed with my energy and strength after my pregnancy, which is fantastic as it brings positivity. I also had a great group of strong and amazing women.
Without further ado, I will share snippets of my journal from when I was there, along with pictures.
5/10/24
I started this trip with this question: "What do you want to achieve from this trip?"
I wanted to feel accomplished for being able to do something out of my comfort zone and achieve it. I wanted to have good morals and be an inspiration to Atlas.
Before meeting up with the rest, I came to Zurich the night before. I had a hotel breakfast and cheeky Korean food at Interlaken. Only the first day, and already making a schoolboy error. With that, I came up with some tips for me next time.
Tips:
Do not eat half-boiled eggs from anywhere unless you know the quality of the eggs.
• Or order anything spicy at a Korean restaurant before a big adventure.
The Train ride to Interlaken was breathtaking. I was in awe most of the time. We met at a hostel in Grindelwald and had dinner together. Most of us had an early night, reserving our energy for our 5-day adventure in Bernese Oberland.
6/10/24
We took the Eiger trail to Lauterbrunen Valley. It was such a fantastic trail walking next to the north face of the famous Eiger. We had a bit of snow, too, which made me excited for winter to come. I wasn't thinking of anything else and just smiled while admiring the view.
How lucky we were to stop at a bench on the trail and have lunch in a fantastic setting. We did 20km total and about 1600m of ascent.
7/10/24
Lauterbrunnen is full of waterfalls! I read there are 72 waterfalls in the valley. How cool is that! I bet it is magical in winter. We went to Trummelbach Falls to see the strength of the water there before continuing our hike to Mürren.
I remember there were a lot of steps and it was very hot. Since we had to carry our bags throughout, I limited the amount of stuff I had to take. I did not pack any summery clothes as the weather showed it would be cold. The hostels we stayed in were super hot as well.
Tips for next time; always bring shorts and a tank top, even for a winter hut-to-hut.
After 15km and 900m ascent, we finally reached a beautiful mountain village called Mürren.
8/10/24
We were meant to stay in a mountain hut, but the weather was terrible. It was raining the whole time, so we decided to stay in Mürren another night and do a 6km loop nearby.
We went to a cafe and had lunch there. The rain did not bother me much; walking in the mysterious woods was beautiful.
That day, I spent a lot of time thinking about my future—how I want my life to be as a mother and as my own person. I was in love with mountain endurance all over again. I considered immersing myself in the mountain like I used to with Atlas in tow. I was also learning how to socialise without having Atlas around. It was a little weird, I must say, but I did get the hang of it. *introvert problem*
9/10/24
It was a big day, and I loved the challenge, especially with the heavy pack I was carrying! Training with Atlas on my back really paid off. We travelled from Mürren to Pochtenalp (Griesalp) over the Sefinafurgga pass (2611m). It was probably my favourite day of all.
We were surrounded by vast nature, with no soul around us. I love being in flow, that meditative state, with my mind, thinking of nothing else but always in awe of everything around me. I brought my camera with me, but I don't know why; since having Atlas, I would rather be in nature as it is, with no photography, just me in the moment.
Our accommodation was eerie. Where it was located, the atmosphere, the creaking sound on the floor, the men hanging out there for after-work beer, and the constant ringing of cowbells contributed to the eeriness. However, it was beautiful, and my most comfortable stay throughout the week.
We had a nice view from our window, and the sound of a waterfall was the best white noise anyone could ask for. It was also the best shower I had!
We did 17.7km with 1180m of ascent.
10/10/24
It was our last adventure day. We travelled to our next destination by bus and train. We went to a lake at Kandersteg. This would be if I had to choose just one place to go as a family. It has every different challenge that a family could ask for.
Lake Oeschinen is breathtaking, and the lights throughout the day contribute to its beauty. I took so many photos that day. A few of the girls did swim in the cold lake; I would, too, if the sun was shining at that point in time. Heh.
We hiked 13.3km with 960m of ascent and ended our day with a delicious dinner near our hotel.
What did I take from this trip?
I enjoyed being in the mountains and loved the challenges a lot. I was as strong and fit as before and shouldn't be put off of winter climbs or any long days in the mountains with Atlas as I am capable. Also a great reminder to love people and nature.
Girls with my Olympus mjuII (Kodak Porta 400)
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love, Az x