Phil and Alison go on a hike...and climb a mountain

Yesterday Phil and I decided to go on a hike. We got up early and headed out to Arvenbüel to climb up to the Leistchamm peak. We didn't realize what we were in for until about half way to the top. The weather was hot and sunny with a slight breeze, which we were happy to have by the time we made it to the top. The views were stunning all around. Check out some of our pictures!



This one is for you, Mom! I saw this mini-quilt hanging across a driveway in the town and thought of you.

Beautiful views on the way

Resting and checking out where we are going...

We are on our way to the peak up there (click on the image to enlarge it and see the arrow pointing to our destination)

The beginning of the hike was on some narrow roads but this is the beginning of the real challenge

Starting the ascent. The guy behind me is RUNNING up the mountain. I repeat - RUNNING. It was over an hour hike to get up to the top.

This is the view off to the right of the ridge we are climbing up in the last picture.

And the runner has passed us already. You can kind of see how steep it was and it didn't get any better as we went up.

Parts of the "trail" were still covered in snow, other parts were covered in a stream of snow melt and mud.


Phil hiking up the ridge. We are almost there!

We made it!

Our reward was the beautiful view from the top - including the cliffs that dropped off on the other side as well as the Walensee.




We brought lunch along with us and ate on the top of the mountain, then relaxed before the challenging descent.

In this picture you can see part of the road we hiked and on the left, is the village we hiked from.

Starting the hike down along the ridge.

You can see all the mud caked to my shoe as we head down. We were pretty messy and sweaty when we got down. I also learned that going downhill is pretty tough on your knees.



Phil had the camera basically the whole time and got some awesome shots. I always love the panoramic pictures he takes. Today is the day after the hike and we have been relaxing for the whole day. Phil is in really good shape so he is not sore, but my legs and back are a little sore. We are planning to continue taking advantage of the great hiking trails while we are here.