Aline and I set out at 7:45 this morning to do some hiking in the swiss mountains. The destination was set for Jaun. We obviously missed the first train in a panic but all was not lost, we got on the next train and then were off for our 2.5 hrs travel to the mountains. The trains leaving Lausanne are insane, they ride right along the Lac Leman with the mountains over looking. All along the mountain side, it is filled with vinyards and their grape lots. The trip was not long at all because there is so much to see the whole way that you forget you are even on your way somewhere.

We arrived in a small town called Jaun at around 9:45. After 10 minutes in the tourist office we were ready to go and set off on our days hike to a chalet called the "SoldatenHaus" in the pre-alps. The hike was very scenic, filled with swiss chalets and many views of the surrounding mountains. The whole way up we encountered farms with many cows out grazing. All the cows wear a bell around their necks so as you get above the tree line it is nothing but grassy slopes and all you hear are bells ringing from far and close. It is really cool because at any moment you can stop and you can hear the music of the mountains. Ricolaaaaaaaa

We finally got to our destination after 3.5 hrs of hiking and despite the fact that it rained the last hour of our trek, we toughed it out and it was well worth it. When we arrived, the rain stopped and we enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains. Inside we decided on red wine, but the menu was 5 pages long, filled with swiss meals and drinks.

Once we were ready to head off again, we discussed with the managers of the chalet our different options to return on a new route. Going down was much faster than going up! At this point the rain was gone and there wasn't a cloud left.

Aline, excited by the rays of sunlight, led the way like a good little swiss mountain girl. She ran down the paths without problem as quickly as she could. It was interesting to watch, she was pretty consistent in the fact that any time it started to get steep or dangerous, she flirted with twisting her ankle, let out a little scream and then kept going without a second thought or pause. I of course hurried after her and began my lecture on how the mountains are dangerous and you need to be careful....no use!! After a good 2 hrs of hiking we arrived at the base of the mountains, back in some different town, ready to find a way home. We just arrived at a bus stop to check the times when a black truck pulled up beside us and offered us a lift to Lausanne. It was the managers of the SoldatenHaus and they were headed in our direction.