We arrive at Mt. Pilatus around 2pm after a long day of traveling. We had a small break at the base, and then proceeded up the steepest cog railway in the world (49 degrees). Travelling up several thousand feet of vertical, the air started getting thin, but it was a beautiful sunny warm day. We had gone from below sea level in Amsterdam to 7000 ft in 2 days, a hard change on the body. At the top of the mountain is a hotel, several restaurants, and some amazing hikes. It was a festival day, bands were playing and mascots wandering about. At the track change half way up another train had a local yodelling group who performed for us, it was really cool hearing traditional yodeling half way to the top of the alps. Once off the train I hiked to the highest point up a rickety trail with a loose and wobbley railing. The views were amazing as we looked down on gliders and parasailers. After hiking several trails we headed down a cable car on the far side of the mountain to meet our waiting bus.
Checking in at the hotel we had a 4 course dinner and headed to the local Irish pub.
The next morning we headed in to Lucerne after a sleep in (8:30!). In Lucerne I quickly found a croissant with Swiss chocolate fresh out of the oven at a local bakery and then headed off to sight see. I met up with a running tour group from all over the world, and followed there local guide to a few sites including the towns original guard wall, a few monuments, and a church. They were met at the attractions by a beer truck, and were happy to share! Lucerne is one of the cleanest and most beautiful places I have ever been too, and definitely rivals Banff for scenery, snow capped mountains in the background as you swim in the lake, clean town and friendly locals (I think, I haven't understood one local in several days). Later we enjoyed a cruise on Lake Lucerne (beautiful) and a traditional Swiss dinner and entertainment. The dinner started with cheese fondue. The entertainment was just strange, at one point the musicians were playing bowls with coins rolling in them.
Tomorrow is an early start as we head for innisbrook. We go whitewater rafting and bobsledding on the way, and then head to Venice the next day.
Rumor has it time will fly from here on as we are in Innisbrook, Venice, Florence, Rome, Monte Carlo, and Paris over the next 8 days! I think it's already going fast so this should be amazing!