The Engadine in all its autumnal glory!

It was a fleeting visit to Basel, but it was great to catch up with Antoinette, thanks to whom I have my Ipad and hence my Blog! Whilst sitting discussing my final days in Switzerland, we came up with what was the most perfect spontaneous decision I have made on this entire European trip! A two- day trip to the Engadine with a night's accommodation in the beautiful Val de Bever at a pretty little hotel there in Spinas. 

It is the only accommodation in Spinas, accessible on foot, by horse and carriage or by the occasional train. It is a place I have often said I would like to stay but thought it would be ridiculously priced. What a pleasant surprise. 65 francs with breakfast for a cute little single room on the top floor,

 with balcony and stunning view

 and breakfast!

I opted to walk up to the hotel, a steady climb but pretty easy, though with tired legs and fast- approaching, very chilly dusk, I put my foot down and arrived rather shattered! The train passed me just minutes from the hotel, but I am pleased I walked as the colours and the atmosphere of the place were enchanting.

I did stop to try to phathom out this sign, but apart from giving way to cows, I cannot see any logical significance, especially as I had not seen a single cow in the entire valley!

The end of a perfect day. The Engadine is certainly my favourite place in autumn in Switzerland, ( judging by the crowds on the packed train, I am not alone) on a par with  Wanaka in New Zealand.where the intensity of autumn colours is the same and the contrast of the golden leaves with the emerald waters identical. St Moritz Lake

Lake of Wanaka this April, below

I had decided that my top destination this year in Europe was The Dune de Pyla in Arcachon, but I have to say that the Stazersee or Lej de Staz, is almost up there in number one position too. I was lost for words at this sight - not a common occurrence!

I am so grateful to have my sight to fully appreciate this spectacular panorama. Although it was warm in the sun, about 18 degrees, The water was freezing. It was difficult to imagine that we were swimming there two months ago and also amazing to think that I have walked across the lake on snow and ice in early January!

The view from the other side is similar  but has a lovely little crooked pathway leading you to Paradise,!

It was very restful walking through the larch forest, with a fewcyclists flying past but otherwise I was alone with the many finches and blue tits busily feeding, building up their reserves in readiness for winter, and even the occasional woodpecker. It was so peaceful.

I was aiming for the picturesque little 700- year- old church near Celerina, San Gian. It looked like this plane was too! 

 I have passed it so many times, but never visited. Sadly, it was locked but I did get a closer look, also at its lovely graveyard. What a stunning place to come and pay one's last respects to loved ones.

What magical days they were. Despite having seen so many incredible places and sites in the past months, I was still completely blown away by this magnificent area of Switzerland.

Spinas looked very different this morning with the early morning sun lighting up the larches surrounding the hotel. I had had a great stay there and delicious dinner in their cosy wee restaurant. The waiter was from the bakery in Zuoz which had closed, so he recognised me immediately. Nice to see him there.

I was surprised at how mild the temperature was as I left the hotel, much warmer than when I arrived the evening before after the sun had left the valley. I took the path on the other side of the river, a bit longer but much more beautiful, meandering through the golden forests, with not a soul in sight. It was heavenly. I stopped  so often just to try to take in the beauty around me and to watch the nimble  little black squirrels running up and down the tree trunks. They were just too shy to pose for a photo!

After about an hour I was down in the lower part of the valley with this marvelous view back up the valley towards Spinas.

At Bever I turned left on to the Via Engiadina, towards Le Punt. I hadn't done the track before and was thrilled I decided to try it today. The shadows from the little wooden fences cast fantastic patterns on the path. 

The view back towards the Bernina Pass was majestic

As my knees were a little tired, I decided to take a less mountainous way to Le Punt, one which I knew. I also had decided that I was so enjoying the peace and quiet that I would not head to the mountains or Morteratsch because they would be packed.

Instead, I took a fabulous track to some little lakes near Samedan following the river up to them.

I loved these trees, like our pussy willow,  which became really silvery in the sunlight

The lakes and their reflections were perfect, just like the Stazer See had been the day before, but on a much smaller scale. There were only a few people out walking dogs and a fisherman, otherwise I could enjoy the brilliant reflections all alone! Sensational

I had planned to follow the river back to Le Punt, about 3 km away, but because they are making new recreational areas, there was too much work going on, so with weary legs, I went back up hill to walk to Le Punt through the forest. I have been lucky these two days with great decisions. The path was gorgeous and I did not see anyone until I got down to the flat. It was an Italian cyclist, who stopped to ask if he could take a photo of us! Interesting, but I was rather flattered as I thought I was looking particularly haggard after another long walk!

At the end of the walk, a last glance at the 'Nipple Peak' which I had looked out at every day when I was in Madulain, which seems like an eternity ago, but actually only3 months back. 

A fitting end to two incredible days. Exhausted, hungry and thirsty I staggered on to the little red train, staying awake just long enough to farewell Zuoz for 2017.