The Swiss Adventure...: Turning 30 in the Alps

Part II - Please sit down....there are a lot of incredible photos!

We aren't saying we are gifted and talented photographers - we say this because with sites like this, any photo is amazing!

We are still overwhelmed at the sheer beauty of it all!

Wild Orchid

The train ride took us through the northern part of Lake Geneva, which is absolutely stunning! From the view of the train, to our right was the lake (grand and majestic), to our left was nothing but old churches, castles and incredible vineyards. Not only are the vineyards beautiful to look at, but they also make for some remarkable wine tasting!

View from the lake

Once our train arrived in the small village of Aigle we then boarded the bus, which went on roads that, well to be quite honest felt more like what we can only imagine the back roads of Machu Picchu must feel like, but with the precision of the Swiss, we simply sat back in our seats and enjoyed the journey of switchbacks, narrow roads and sharp cliffs. Once the bus dropped us off in the town of Villars, we both knew this turning 30 thing was going to be a sweet year or at the very least an incredible three days!

We immediately whipped out the camera and started taking pictures. For the first day – OK, who am I kidding - for the entire time we were in Villars and the surrounding villages, we felt like Ansel Adams on a photo shoot! The mountains are absolutely magical; we only hope that the images we captured give you some indication of how astonishing the Swiss Alps truly are!

Incredible...

We fell in love with the views... Jacques - this would make a beautiful painting!

With our packs strapped to our backs (Robert carried the brunt of the 60 plus pound sack – thanks Sweetie) we made our way to the Chalet. St. Nicholas Chalet is located down a quiet street with a 27% grade, so even if we never set foot in the Alps, you get the impression that you are hiking simply by coming and going!

The French doors of our room opened up to a magnificent view of the Alps! Each morning we sat on the terrace, coffee and tea in hand as we watched the clouds dance among the Alps – did I mention I love being 30?

View from the bed!

Breakfast...

We quickly realized that visiting Villars during the off-season, had some wonderful perks! Upon our arrival, we received free travel passes that allowed us to utilize any of the local transportation (including funiculars, gondolas, trams and buses) free of charge! We decided that since neither of us had ever been on a gondola, now would be the perfect time.