METHS

MULANJE EXPATRIATES THREEPEAKS SOCIETY

HOME | NEWS | MEETS | REPORTS | MEMBERSHIP | CONTACT

Switzerland. 14-18 August 1990

Petzold's directions were spot on and everyone found their way to their place. The Masons got there first to find mine hosts away shopping for essential supplies so two took up 'sentry go' in the rain on the doorstep and the Mad Axeman set up his headquarters in the nearby pub.

The following morning a blue balloon was seen through the rain and this turned out to be Daphne "DM³" Martin at the end of a 24-hour journey from Barcelona. Various others pitched up, and just as we were about to depart the Killicks rocked up, got organised in double-quick time and we were away in sunshine for the hut.

Cars were parked at the head of the beautiful Steintal and the party then set off laden with various supplies via Alp Butz and Speermurli (Little Spear Wall) slightly exposed but protected by a cable (moderate scrambling by Eastwood's standards) and then over the saddle to Gasthaus Oberchaseren (Upper Creamery, 1,649m), our home for the next few days.

Gasthaus Oberchaseren is a delightful hostel and whenever our excellent hosts were not attending to our needs — i.e. providing beer and superb meals — they were busy getting in hay against the winter and making cheese. Our party were all in a dormitory above the cows and it was all very cosy.

The first of several convivial evenings took place at the Gasthaus with singing, F & B, Scrabble, a drink or two and Chase the Lady. There were some Krauts sharing the hut and they felt that we were insane. It rained so hard during the night that there was none left to mar the following day. The main Three Peaks Walk took place in superb weather with magnificent views, and was a truly unforgetable day.

The first to be attacked was Speer (1,950m), the highest in the area. Then along an interesting ridge to Chüemettler (Cow Herd, 1,703m). From there a perfect corridor route to Federispitz (Mount Feathertop, 1,865m) with a lunch break at the hut on the way. Good views from the third peak then the slog back to the Gasthaus.

At the lowest point on the entire route — Unterbütz (1,305m) — there is a stream. Some were tempted to skinny dip in this but the unprintable language coming from under the bridge made it clear that even in high summer Alpine streams are little above freezing point. Then a slog back to the hostel with just a touch of rain to remind the party that Switzerland is not all snow and blue skies as calendars and travel brochures would have one believe.

Next morning it rained, so it was decided to hold the AGM, which was unique in that not one person consumed a single drop of alcohol. By lunch it cleared up and some did Mattstock (1,936m), voted to be the best peak of all those in the area, while others did Speer again and pottered.

Saturday morning the party split into two to descend to Ebnat Kappel. Some went back via the way up to Steintal and others took the Nesslau route.

Participants: "Mad" Mike Petzold (leader), Verena "Muesli" Petzold, Katja Petzold, Christina Petzold, Ian "Mad Axeman" Mason, Sadie Mason, Robert Mason, Daphne "DM³" Martin, Bruce "Legs" Martin, John "Koenig von Mulanje" Killick, Anne Killick, sister Rosemary, Brian "AMLH" Sayers, Marjory Richardson.