We walked from Kleine Scheidegg back the way we'd come, to Wengernalp (1874m). I wanted to see Mürren up on its cliff, and it was visible at Wengernalp but not further on. At least the walk was downhill! And the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau were all clear. The third photo shows the Eiger and the Mönch. And notice the reflections in the pool of melted snow.
We hopped on the next train back to Kleine Scheidegg, and then changed trains towards Grindelwald, which is on the valley floor, but the next valley east of the Lauterbrunnen valley. This was a pretty steep ride!
We hopped off at the first stop, Alpiglen (1616m), to have a look around and take some photos.
A lot of the walking trails were closed, including this one!
Back on the next train to Grindelwald (1034m), where we transferred to the gondola called the Männlichenbahn. It's the longest gondola cable car in the world. The gondolas sat four people, and it took almost half an hour. We hopped off at Holenstein (1624m), the intermediate station.
On the trip from Holenstein to Männlichen (2225m) there was a lot of snow cover.
Männlichen was covered in snow, and my planned walk was closed because the trail was snow-covered. This photo is the beginning of the trail!
We had a lot of fun with the snow. It wasn't very cold up there. The breeze was quite chilly, but when it dropped it was very pleasant, as you'll see by what we're wearing (or not wearing).
Some fantastic shots of the Lauterbrunnen valley, with Gimmelwald (1363m) on the cliff at the far end, and then Mürren (1650m) just above.
Phil and I walked up to Männlichen Gipfel, the peak (2343m). It was too steep for Caelli to manage. I think this path was only just opened in the last couple of days. There was a lot of snow. A lot of snow. It was also melting very quickly with the balmy temperatures (around 10 degrees, we think), so the path up involved negotiating running water, snow and slush.
And there were even wildflowers on the edge of the path on the way up, despite the snow. I love the Spring Gentians.
The views were well worth the effort. Looking south down the Lauterbrunnen valley towards Mürren.
Looking east towards Grindelwald.
Looking at the northernmost viewpoint.
Looking north towards Interlaken. The Thunersee (Lake Thun) is visible at the back on the left.
Next trip was another gondola from Männlichen down to Wengen (1274m).
A short walk to the Wengen Bahnhof, and back on the cogwheel train down to Lauterbrunnen.
Bus and gondola back to Mürren at around 5pm. All very tired, but it was a fantastic day. Later that evening, Albert got out his alphorn again. He has a competition in eight days, and needs to get in loads of practise, as he's spent most of the last month in hospital with a knee replacement. He let me have a go, too!
MAMMAL WATCH: Murmeltier (Alpine Marmot). Wow!! Can you pick it out?
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