The last day of our wonderful bike ride.
Breakfast was served in a small room with panoramic views over Lake Thun. I was smiling despite this photo which caught me off guard.
After the last time of packing and sealing pannier bags, unlocking bikes, programming the satnavs, etc, we set off at about half past 9 with only 20 miles ahead of us. Pretty soon, we were cycling on a dedicated path alongside the clear water of the lake. Today is my birthday, and the photo below captures the best present I could ever hope for. Despite everything that has happened, here I was, with Ann, cycling the last few miles of an amazing bike ride, looking at the lake and the mountains!
Our first and only stop of the day, was a 5 minute rest just outside Wilderswil, where we were treated to the sight of an eagle soaring high above us on the lookout for prey. I realise this is a poor photo, zoomed in to the max, but hopefully you get the feeling. It had been nearer before I managed to get the camera out, and we both estimated the wingspan to be about 5 feet.
In Wilderswil, it seemed to be the day of the annual cow show, as the bells were being polished and the cows were being cleaned up. As you can see, the cows were not tethered, but must have been happy as they stood quite still whilst being jet washed:
The old part of the village is very beautiful with wooden chalets and lots of flowers
Leaving the village and heading up the Lauterbrunnen valley, the incline increased and the gear changes started. At the top of one hill, Ann was waiting for me, and I arrived just in time to take this photo, as the Schynige Platte train passed over
Our cycle path was by the fast flowing river, and we stopped to watch 3 canoeists tackle this difficult section.
Bernard, Rita and Howard had arrived in Wengen yesterday, and were keen to keep up to date with our progress with texts. Our ETA changed a few times, but eventually, it was confidently forecasted to be half past one. At 1:34, we rounded the corner past the Coop and were overwhelmed with our greeting. Kitted out in teeshirts to mark the occasion and waving a chequered flag, were the three of them. But several people had talked to them before our arrival and had joined in the reception committee. Numbers had increased to about 15, but probably doubled as we arrived, as others close by wondered what all the fuss and applause was for!
Once a year in Wengen, the cows are taken down the mountain to graze lower down before winter arrives and the skiing starts. It turns out, today was that day! This would have been the scene outside the Coop if we had arrived two hours earlier
Not only was our welcome brilliant, but I was then presented with a home-baked cake to mark my 56th birthday (and, of course, cards from family) Thank you everyone!
It's been a really good three weeks. Lots of time to think and realise how many good things are in our life. We dedicate the bike ride to absent friends and finish with this photo of some flowers placed today in the great outdoors (by one of our children) in memory of a very dear friend.
Thank you so much for following the blog and for sending your supportive messages.
Ann & Paul
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