Grindelwald and Zermatt

Tuesday - May 18th
Yesterday was cold and rainy in Grindelwald.  They told us it had been raining for 2 1/2 weeks.  Instead of searching for the glacier, we went shopping.  Then we traveled to Brienz because that is where the wood carvers are supposed to be.  Only saw 1.  Then we traveled to Meiringen to see Reichenbach Falls where Sherlock Holmes sent Professor Moriarty to his death (or was it the other way around?  I have never read that book!)   We saw the falls, but got there too late to take a cogwheel ride up to see that actual place.  Maybe another time.  Today, we did go in search of the Glacier and found that it has receded a lot.   Then it was off to take a trip down Memory Lane  - Lonnie took my picture at the Spiez Castle 28 years ago (our first trip over together), so we went back to the Castle this year to check it out.

Then we rode the rails - literally.   We drove the car onto the train, then enjoyed a nice picnic lunch in the car while the train took us through the Pass.  That's the way I like to drive!!!   After that, we went to Tasch, where we had to park our car, then took a real train ride without the car, up to Zermatt.  By the time we reached Zermatt, the sun had come out and you could see the entire mountain perfectly!!  That's a real rarity!   We just stayed there long enough to see the Matterhorn (a tradition) and do some shopping - and of course to have my Raclette.  I love Raclette!

We saw beautiful mountains covered in snow - the most snow that we have seen on many of them.  I also saw one of the black and white goats that I like - but only from a distance.  The meadows are filled with wildflowers and are absolutely stunning!  Most of the mountain passes are still closed due to snow, so not sure what route we will be taking tomorrow.  Lord willing, we will actually get to our destination early in the day.  Hmmmm . . . .

We got lost on the way back down from Tasch (how could that happen???), and are now in a lovely hotel room in Brig.  Tomorrow it is on to Italia.