Day 16--Switzerland (Mt. Pilatus)
This day was filled to the brim with a Viator excursion to Mt. Pilatus. We met our spunky tour guide Nanci in Lucerne and boarded a very swanky bus with about 50 other people. We arrived at the base of the mountain and boarded a 4-person gondola that took us very, very high. The ride took about 30 minutes. It was a bit too warm and terrifying at times. We could see much too well how far we were off the ground. At one point I started to laugh uncontrollably about how uncomfortable we all were. When we finally arrived at the first stop, we were transferred to a much larger, standing room only gondola that held 50 people. This gondola took us up the steeper part of the mountain. After about 10 minutes, we arrived at the peak and were treated to beautiful views and scenic hikes.
We did the easy hike and part of the difficult hike, until Elise’s cough decided for us that it was time to be done. I’ll post some photos below. It was lovely.
When we had about an hour left, we decided to get some lunch at the sit down restaurant. This turned into the most stressful meal of the trip, as we had to eat our meal in about five minutes to meet our tour group on time. We made it just as they were boarding the cogwheel train. The ride down took about 40 minutes. We were not able to sit together, it was quite warm and hard to see out the windows. But the parts we did see were pretty.
The end of our tour involved a river cruise on Lake Lucerne that took an hour. Again, the warmth of the day was a bit challenging, but the views were uniquely spectacular. We left Lucerne during rush hour and experienced some interesting traffic. So many cyclists taking so many risks, and the shortest traffic lights ever! It was such a relief to get back to our little apartment safely.
Example of our view.
Still going up! The ridiculousness made us laugh. What choice did we have?
Although she was fighting allergies, Elise was more relaxed than Grace and me.
Here’s a photo of the larger gondola on its way up to the peak.
Beautiful church within walking distance for the true hikers.
Family photo at the top (for us).
On our way down.
Swiss children were doing this obstacle course without adults.
Girls trying extra bubbly orange Swiss soda at the super slow restaurant.
Gorgeous view of the Alps from the restaurant.
They are seriously magnificent.
Click to watch the cogwheel train coming down the mountain.
Here’s the train…it felt just like any other train. The seats are straight up and down.
Family photo on the boat. Fun windy hair!
Loving the boat.
Lovely view.
Beautiful Gracelyn.
Truly exhausted by the end of this day.
Donnie and me with the beautiful water.
Casually perfect castle.
Just gorgeous.
Swan and baby on our walk back to the car.
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