Much as I adore travelling, it is wonderful to wake up in a place one knows, with familiar surroundings and simply stunning views. The early morning mist over the Pfaeffikon Lake is a typical autumnal event, as are the brilliantly clear skies, crisp morning air and mountains which seem closer than usual. Gorgeous!
I had not actually made it down to the lake I love so much, but on Sunday I thoroghly enjoyed a walk around it with my good friend Marc. Of course, I could not pass my favourite tree without taking a photo of it - simply gold!
It was not as busy around the lake as I had feared. Perhaps everyone thought it would be heaving and stayed away. Or, they went directly to the Jucker Farm for lunch. I have never seen so many people there! Weekend, perfect weather, the Pumpkin Exhibition and some appetising food certainly draw the throngs.
The pumpkin exhibits were brilliant, as always, though perhaps there were fewer of them . This carved pumpkin was incredible. From the front it was hardly recognisible as a pumpkin, but from the back you could see how it had been hollowed out. It was fabulous to have the day with Marc, who travels around Switzerland a great deal and so is hard to catch!
The pumpkin animals were marvelous. I loved this beautifully colourful squirrel.
The stag was majestic too, but the background scenery stole the show a little!
Back at Pfaeffikon, we enjoyed a drink by the lakeside, almost dazzled by the stunning colours of the nearby trees. I stayed on after Marc had to leave to just sit and admire this place I had called home for 8 years.
A day with Irene is always very special and today we went to a place which was one of her favourites and which I had never visited before. Chaeserugg in Toggenburg. I have seen the mountains dozens of times from the train , en route to Zuoz, but always from the other side of the lake. This was a truly breathtaking place, although being the coward I am when it comes to heights, I did not venture too close to the edge, with its 1800 metre drop down to the Walensee.
The Walensee has always captivated me. I have been past it in the train so many times, been on it several times on a boat and this August Dennis and I watched Saturday Night Fever at the lakeside. However you see this lake, the deepest in Switzerland, it is spectacular! And the dozens of smow- capped peaks in the distance just add to its splendour. One can even see the peaks near St Moritz, especially on such a perfect day as this one.
The panorama is incredible and the contrast of colours fantastic. Having a scattering of snow just added to this beautiful view. It was still hard to imagine that in two months the slopes would be full of skiers rather than walkers.
Mind you, the plateau on the left is also a winter walking track as well as a cross country ski area. How nobody slips off the side, I do not know? The track is very close to the edge and there are no fences. My heart was in my mouth as I watched children leaping around near the edge and people having their photos taken, perched on the ledges.
This view is the first one has as one arrives at the top. Spectacular, isn't it? A lot of people were climbing to the top. It must have been sensational.
After lots of train and bus changes, it was great to get home and sit with a cool glass of New Zealand wine in Trudi's garden, watching the sun set over some of the many fabulous mountain peaks I had seen today.
Another perfect day in paradise.
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