Misty Mountains
The forecast was rain, however, Fierce and I were not deterred. Even at breakfast, Fierce found us the only dry table under a canopy outside. It may be August, but he scarfed up his pile of bacon quickly before deciding to run back upstairs for a hoodie. I cupped my warm coffee with both hands as I watched the clouds mist the mountain peaks.
Appropriately bundled, we set off along the roadside path to see where it would lead. Once we crossed a short bridge, there was a creek to our left and soon there was a marked trail between the road and the creek lined with enormous coniferous trees. This can be followed to the Alpine trails or as a safe passageway next to the road. It’s just shielded enough, that you don’t really notice the road and at some point it actually veers away towards the sloping hills where the goats graze. Instead of the yellow, trail signs marking small villages, it would mark a single farm. I thought this was incredibly quaint.
We walked until we came to Auf Der Alp Unterlauelen or “On the Alp Unterlauelen.” It is a farm where donkeys welcome you, Yaks shelter in the barn and a cat comes to see what the fuss is about. We peered around to sleepy chalet and discovered that it was just opening for lunch. We had already eaten not too long ago, but this felt like a nice way to end our journey and enjoy some dessert. Fierce ordered hot chocolate and ice cream, while I had a latte.
We made our way back and took in the scenery. I found some trees that looked like a harp and Fierce played a tune. Then he “mined” a large boulder. Fierce had been wanting to get soaked in the rain all morning, but the weather had held. Soon, we made it back and read until we woke up from our naps ;)
We woke up to a steady rain. One chess challenge later, he and I decided to go on a rain walk. It was only drizzling at the time, but Fierce said we had to go until we were soaked! We went down a little trail to the village just below the hotel and saw some sheep warm in their coats. The rain started to pick up and we didn’t make it much farther before Fierce got his wish and we were properly drenched. All smiles, we headed back to the empty hotel restaurant and had hot drinks and a final chess match. Yes, he won. Again. It was a cozy, rain day and I am grateful for it.
