In the heart of the mountain range we could see fast running streams that carried the water from the top of the peaks down the mountain side. Despite the rainy drizzle it was beautiful view. About two hours into the hike a cloud opened up on us and it poured, and hailed. Most of us were in shorts but we all had rain jackets and dry clothes to change into when we reached our chalet for the night, so we kept going. The end of the first day of hiking only took a little more two and half hours. They had told us that it would take four to five hours based on the time it took the group last year. I guess our group moved much quicker, in fact the kids were all up front on the guides heels and us teachers were the ones bringing up the rear. So we had a lot of down time when we arrived at the chalet.
Now I must describe this chalet with best detail possible and I know it still will not give the place justice. Picture this, up in the Alps at about 2,000 meters nothing but mountains around. This little building on the side of the mountain. Inside we must remove our muddy shoes and wear these Swiss clogs. The downstairs is a small room filled with tables and benches. We all had big backpacks so we quickly took up the floor space. Thinking we were the only ones staying there because it was so small we were shocked when another group of about thirty French middle schoolers showed up after us. Then throughout the course of the evening many other Swiss native hikers continued to show up throughout the night. It was packed. For the hours before dinner the kids played cards at the tables and just hung out and talked. It was a bit too much down time for me but I knew I wasn't the only one that felt that way so I didnt complain. Dinner was a bowl of soup, rice and horse, then salad. For dessert some of the teachers pitched in and bought an apple pie, they put candles on it, turned out the lights and sang happy birthday to me. It was really nice.
After dinner, my buddy Ian and I went outside for some fresh air. It was really windy and cold but we sat on the wall just outside the chalet and talked for a bit and watched the Swiss flag flapping in the wind. Then as we gazed across the Alps, just in case we didn't already feel as though we were in the heart of Switzerland already, this group of Swiss older men, who had been drinking many beers came outside and started to yoddle. For the next twenty minutes, Ian and I just sat there without saying a word, soaking as much of the moment as we could. I don't know if I have ever felt that completely at peace and utterly happy. Not long after dinner people started to head upstairs to bed, we knew that the big day of hiking was yet to come.
Now sleeping arrangements that was interesting. The upstairs was one long skinny room with an aisle down the middle. On each side of the aisle there was one long bed with about 14 pillows lined up. Then above that bed was another one the same length with the same amount of pillows just bunked upabove it. It reminded me of the images I have seen of how they chained up the slaves on slave ships when they brought them across to America, just like sardines with pillows. So all 24 of us along with at least 20 other foreign hikers slept in this same room together on the same bed, with only enough room to lie flat on your back. It was quite interesting, and needless to say not a really good nights sleep. But I still feel asleep smiling and enjoying this unique experience.
The next morning came early with a six o'clock rise. We received bread and hot chocolate and were on our way (most of use slept in our clothes because of the close quarters). The big day of hiking had begin at 7 am and right away we knew it would be tough. We traveled up hill for two hours and then found ourselves on top of the first of three peaks that would lead us to the top. Hiking on the ridge of peaks was incredibly beautiful but a bit intimidating at times. Alot of the hike was so steep that you were moving one foot right in front of the other with a vertical so steep you had to use your hands. But the group still moved together and we reached the top in three and a half hours (an hour and a half faster than last years group). The view from the top was breathtaking. We could see all of our village of Leysin, we could see all the way to Interlocken, all of Lake Geneva and mountain tops amoung mountain tops. The peak was very sheer though, you didn't just roam around. You found an edge and held on while you took pictures. While up there I had the same thought that I had had during the hike up, one wrong step and bye bye Kimmie.
It was a thrilling yet intimidating thought. We didn't stay on top for much more than twenty minutes because the wind was cold and it wasn't really comfortable. So soon we began our five hour descent of the Dents du Midi. The weather on Sunday was perfect hiking weather, it was cool, yet sunny and perfectly clear. We really couldn't have asked for better weather to reach the summit. An hour and half into our descent the layers started to shed and the beauty of the surrounded us. We reached the base parking lot a little after 4:00 in the afternoon, most of us pretty weary from our fun filled two days of hiking. As we loaded into the bus for the ride back to Leysin, I had the wonderful feeling of complete exhaustion and sense of accomplishment. |
