Whilst we have been on our journey for a mere few days I feel compelled to begin recording our experiences.
Dover, the ancient town perched on England's white cliffs, has bidden farewell to excited travellers bound for new adventures since time immemorial and our departing was no exception. Our journey began with a smooth crossing of the English Channel, a serene prelude to our forthcoming adventures.
The incongruity of departing from British shores on Irish Ferries whilst journeying to France was not lost on us. However, our fear that the vessel may leave Dover port and immediately turn to starboard and steam for Dublin was thankfully unfounded and we soon found ourselves approaching Calais. The aroma of Gauloisse as we disembarked was unmistakable but peering through the blue haze that stung our eyes we soon found the A16 and proceeded at pace in a south easterly direction avoiding the melee of Paris and heading for a small village near Riems where we found refuge in a local aire.
The following day we continued through France and eventually crossed the border into Switzerland. The air was immediately clearer and fresher as we climbed into the foothills of the Alps. Tunnel after tunnel facilitated our progress through the ever-steepening mountains until after almost six hours of driving we entered Grindelwald, a charming village nestling under the looming north face of the forbidding Eiger.
We set up camp at Eigernordwand campsite. This is a kind of place that strikes fear and dread into the heart and mind of motor home owners since it is that most awful thing, a site on a slope (Munch-style screaming face emoji). Nonetheless our hosts were prepared and offered wooden blocks ready cut to enable visitors to level and stabilise their vehicle. This place would be our residence for the next four days.
The sun rose clear and bright on Sunday morning. Our Jungfrau Region travel pass seemed to vibrate in our trembling hands as we deliberated where to explore on this beautiful day. So, after some consideration we decided to take advantage of the magnificent Swiss railway from Grindelwald Terminal to Interlaken and spend a day exploring the sights and sounds of the “city between the lakes”.
The cog railway descended the valley smoothly and we soon arrived at Interlaken-Ost. We were immediately absorbed and overwhelmed by this vibrant town, with visitors bustling between lake and mountain, para-gliders filling the air above and the multitudinous emporia offering expensive Swiss watches to the better-heeled passers by. This is a truly multi-cultural town with visitors from Asia, the Middle East and North America all mingling in the bazaar that spread through its central thoroughfare.
The ascent of Harder Kulme made a spectacular interlude and allowed a magnificent view of Interlaken appearing like the body of a moth with its mirrored lakes the wings on either side. Journeying on the Harderbahn through the mountain tunnel as it carried us aloft brought a graphic experience with imagery that had the appearance of an intimate surgical procedure!
This day was however, just a warm-up for the more strenuous exertions that awaited. So, after taking luncheon in a small hostelry we returned to Grindelwald to prepare ourselves for what was to come.