Engelberg- Angel Mountain

Alison and I decided not to let a little rain keep us from a hike.  It was probably the most stunning hike I have ever taken.  There was  a reverent feeling to stop in the quiet and take it all in.  We walked through higher mountain villages that have preserved a way of life-- a simple life that looks so storybook.  Switzerland is an interesting place where they are a modern, technological people on one hand and then preserve this quiet, gentle way of life on the other.  A beautiful moment when our trail was flattening out and all that was heard was a field of cow bells.  We stopped to let this sweet little spot become part of us.

We were blessed as the rain stopped for us to take this three hour hike.  The cool misty air brought relief as we hiked and climbed.  As our trail became steeper we would stop to drink and look down at our path and say, "See that rock down there, we used to be right there."  It was a good reminder to look back and see how far we had come.  After a couple of hours, sometimes it was a few steps and we would still look back and say-- "Wow, look how far we have come!"  I need to remember that-- to look back and see the growth brings purpose to my up hill climbs.

The higher we climbed the more it felt like Engelberg- or an Angel Mountain as we moved into the clouds and our conversations moved to bigger ideas of spiritual learning and being.  There is something about climbing upward that pushes me to think..  There are a few questions we have been using with our children as they reflect about there learning..  I see, I think, I wonder...  It was as if those same questions were posed as our legs were burning and more breaks were taken.  This high up the water is purer and we were able to fill our bottles right from the stream.  I let Alison drink first as if at that moment I would be able to tell if I was doomed..  nice friend right?!  It was a thrilling moment to drink from a cool Alp stream...

We arrived at our destination! Looking up at Mt. Titlis and over Mirror Lake..  Our trail markers were both written signs and painted rocks.  From the view up here I have a new appreciation for markers along our way.  I never would have found my way without them!  There was a round stone church right at the top.  Alison explained that it was built so the farmers could have a place to worship as they tended to their flocks...  We took a moment to sit in this quiet space.. What a sweet blessing this three hour journey was.  As we sat in our stone shelter it began to rain.

We enjoyed a tram ride down and joined a celebration at the bottom! It was Alpabfahrt, no typo, in Engelberg where they celebrate the time when the farmers bring the cows down from the high mountains for the winter.  There was music and markets.  I ate some cheese from a farmer who had produced it from the village---  authentic cheese tasting!

From the hiking, people, food,-- a day to experience the thrilling adventures in the Swiss mountain air!  Just need a yodeling lesson and I think I'm set!