Switzerland. 6 to 9 August 2001
Monday 6 August
After a pleasant drive
across France and Switzerland following detailed instructions provided by Mad
Mike the Wards pitched up at 4pm at the Petzolds' Chateau just as the kettle
had been put on — what perfect timing. Must say we were impressed by how
beautiful France was plus cheap fuel, good empty motorways with fantastic
picnic and service station stops, what a pity it is wasted on the French. On
entry into Switzerland the authorities were not bothered with our passports.
Only wanted to ensure we purchased a motorway permit for our windscreen.
The Mossfords phoned
in the evening to say they would not be able to make it till Tuesday night as
Harpic is still taking his twice-weekly injection to help his body adjust to
the loss of a kidney. This leaves him a bit dopey for 12 hours or so afterwards
(who said not much change there then!?)
Tuesday 7 August
After an early-morning
bike ride hurtling down the hill into the village to fetch fresh croissants and
milk for breakfast we set off to climb Speer which at 6,399ft is Europe's
highest conglomerate peak, which means it looks like some Irishman has just
dumped a load of concrete left over from a building site. Anyway on the road to
the departure point we came across a lot of cars parked on the roadside and Mad
Mike thought that trail would be busy so we did an about turn and went to the
the other side of the mountain to start our ascent from the middle of a forest.
On the way up we passed a glorified pig shed which doubles up as a Cheesery and
Guesthouse called Oberchaseren from where Meths had their annual meet in 1990. We climbed through intermittent mist all
the way to the top and arrived at 1630 hours. It certainly was our lucky day as
within 10 minutes of making the top the mists completely cleared and we had
fantastic views in all directions. On the descent we stopped at the piggery for
a most welcome beer and Mad Mike renewed his acquaintances with the owner.
After getting back to the car we rushed off to the pub to meet the Mossfords
and have a really good meal.
Wednesday 8 August
Another early morning
trip to collect the croissants and milk (surprising how easy it is to fall into
the continental habit) and after breakfast the ceremony of lowering the Swiss
flag and hoisting the Malawi Standard was performed with due pomp and
circumstance. We started our climb from the pub at Starkenbach — where we had
the meal the night before — I think Mike wanted to see if the Czech waitress
would be out sunbathing. We had intended to climb Selun (7,234ft) but the
weather was really miserable so instead we went to Wildenmannlisloch (little
wild man's cave, 5,348ft).
During the evening
meal back at the Petzolds' pad Mike disappeared and returned after about 15
minutes with a big 30amp fuse in his hand. It transpires that while the
Petzolds had been sunnying themselves in New Zealand the local council in
Switzerland had erected two street lamps, one of which shone in their bedroom
and kept them awake. Sure enough the street was in darkness, that will teach
the burghers that they should get permission from the Petzolds next time.
Thursday 9 August
We drove to Wildhaus
(Zwingli’s birthplace who is the Swiss version of Luther who started the
religious Lutherans) and took a car lift to Gamplut from where we started our
climb. At the top lift station the Wards tried to do a runner by not paying but
the girl cashier soon had the alsatians out and they were apprehended.
Weatherwise this was
the worst of the three days but we persevered and aimed for Mutschen saddle
(6,788ft) going over the snow at Zwinglipass (6,709ft) and an unnamed peak
(6,975ft) (most unlike the Swiss not to have named it). We also climbed
Mutschen itself at 6,961ft. On a clear day from the top of Mutschen it is
claimed to be able to see four countries (Switzerland, Austria, Germany and
Luxembourg) but not today.
Friday 10 August
The Mossfords departed
for Zurich airport to go to UK and continue their holiday in UK before
returning to Malawi and Wards started their long trek back to the wilds of
Derbyshire.
Many thanks to Mike
and Verena who looked after us all very well. Stephen Ward
Click here for a report of last year's meet in
Switzerland.
©
WDYFO, 2001