Wheels Around Europe . . . . . . . : Spectacular Switzerland !

Friday, 11 May 2018

Spectacular Switzerland !

We awoke today after a peaceful nights sleep in Waldshut-Tiengen, grateful for not having rain rattle the skylights like last night. It turned out to be beautiful sunny morning so I got up early and went and took some photos of the River Rhine in the sunshine, such a difference from yesterdays efforts.

Next stop was Aldi for groceries, we`re heading for Switzerland and shopping there is strictly for those with deep pockets.

I was a little nervous about driving into Switzerland having read various horror stories about it, but let me tell you it was very simple and straight forward. On approaching the border there is a layby to pull into. I walked up to the cabin and spoke to a very friendly and polite border guard who directed me into the cabin to purchase a vignette. I explained we were over 3.5 ton and therefore “heavy” this is a good thing as it is cheaper that the alternative for lighter vehicles. I could pay for a day, a week, 10 days, six months and so on. I chose to pay £24 for a 10 day pass that is valid for 12 months. So we could use all 10 days and stay here for a while or save some of the days if we decide to return through Switzerland on the way back

We then set off for the Rhine Falls at Schloss Laufen near Schafferhausen, formed in the last Ice Age, where the Rhine drop 75 feet over a Glacial ledge out of Switzerland into Germany.

The sight is very impressive. Largely because of the way the viewing platforms allow you get within touching distance of the raging torrent of water. The force and power of the water was awesome.

The entrance was 5 Swiss CHF each, which equates to about £3.50 so very good value I would say.

Lunch was a Bratwurst on bread from a stall in the grounds, Sue asked what was in it and I suggested those thoughts be dismissed ! It was very tasty though.

We later drove down through Switzerland, across fertile meadows towards Zurich then on towards Lucerne. The vignette we purchased at the border covers the use of all the tunnels and passes and there are an awful lot of tunnels, we must have been through 20+ tunnels. The Swiss are clearly master tunnel builders. At one, by Lake Lucerne, having entered the tunnel with meadows around us, we emerged from the darkness to the most amazing Alpine scenery. Snow capped peaks and Alpine lodges on the hill sides. Spectacular, just what I`d hoped for, and in bright sunshine.

We continued to Lake Sarnen and are pitched up at Camping Ewil on the banks of the lake GPS 46.85581 8.21516.

It is a beautful setting and apparently the lake is the subject of a watercolour painting by JMW Turner, entitled The Sarner See, Evening, and dating from c.1842.

Tea this evening was “en van” before a walk along the lake side.

I continue to be amazed that we still get a satellite signal where we are !

But we`re right on the edge off the transmission footprint, I can`t see it lasting for long. Enjoying WWTBAM while it lasts.....