oh the days that we have had...

I will start this by commenting on the lack of WiFi when on a toboggon, up a hill and in the fog... Read on for more detail please...


Monday's blog...

So, today has been action packed!

From an early 9am depart from the chalet (which was a mild rush) we have not stopped. The day started with a bus trip out to Kanderstag where we got a cable car up the mountain then a morning of toboggoning. The girls had many a shot heading down the metal run at speeds higher than I was brave to go, but even at me slightly slower pace I had a great time, and from the wide grins of all the girls you could tell that they had too!

From the toboggons we hiked along to the oescheinen lake which was beyond beautiful, and the scrabble down the final slope well worth the gorgeous views and the refreshing cold water after a long hot morning. The weather has been gorgeous, hot, and sunny today which is always appreciated. We had lunch at the lake relaxing before hiking back up the slope to the cable car and heading to the bus. On our way back to the chalet we stopped off at the bleusse lake, a gorgeous wee spot to relax and have a coffee for the leaders, and the girls, although apparently shattered, got a bout of energy for a go on the play pack.

This evening contained a ride on segways, the girls are whizzing round, and a head's up that there are a few who are now in the market... Apologies.

The pool party is now, again abusing their WiFi! A lot of splashing!!!

Jessica and Alex are both having a great birthday, send their love, and they both now know what they want for their birthday next year... A hint - you need good balance to use it!

Edit: this was obviously not uploaded Monday as the WiFi at the pool was not working...

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Tuesday had a slightly later start than Monday - only 30 minutes, but boy were were those 30 minutes just totally lovely! Another quick turn around with breakfast and packed lunch for 35 in under one and a half hours from the waking up song. That's right people, we've made a morning song, the girls are able to bear it slightly more each day, but I tell you, nothing gets them out of bed faster than the threat of another verse!

Our morning was spent on the bus heading to the trumnelbach waterfalls where we climbed 850 steps going up 900m to see the 10 glacier waterfalls inside the mountain made accessible by tunnel lift and illumination. We didn't use the lifts though, cos we are guides! We are strong! And we are able! ... Although there may have been a few wobbly legs at the end... The falls were totally gorgeous though and the splashing of the water onto your face most refreshing indeed!

After the falls we headed into Interlaken for our picnic lunch in the park watching hand gliders land after a sweeping journey over the lake. The sun was shining hard again all morning and this afternoon making our picnic and then wander round Interlaken most lovely. The girls have purchased many a gift for you all back home so be ready for the weird and wonderful all.

Tuesday evening saw a tasty homemade curry for tea and one of the best variety shows the girls have ever put together, we had captain crief with an in flight safety briefing, some boggling gymnastics and a visit from Cheryl Cole and Katie Price not to mention an original piece from the trip leaders.... Less said about that one the better...

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Wednesday! - not planes trains and automobiles, but coach, paddle steamer and funicular!

Another day to be out of the chalet by 9am and the girls are only getting better and better at it! Some even sang me my morning song as they were up so prompt... Not too sure if the trend will continue when they get home, some maybe not get your hope up parents, but the alpine air certainly does something to them.

This morning we are off to Thun, a market town on the side lake Thun. We had many a wander along the old town streets looking at the stalls, popping in the shops, and of course, a few of the girls popped into McDonalds for a wee poke of chips. We then had lunch on a paddle steamer as we crossed Lake Thun to Speitz, picking up the coach again and heading to the base of Niesen a mountain nick named the swiss pyramid which is 2362 metres. This one we did not climb however as it is not allowed  and so we got the best form of transport in the world - a Funicluar - it will have to be good when the word starts with fun!

The weather today has not been kind today with a bit of rain and sitting writing this atop the mountain with hot chocolate being devoured the view can be described in one word - cloud. In every direction there is cloud, cloud and more cloud! Still, many pictures were taken of the cloud as it is tradition!

Tonight we are looking forward to a night in the hay, some call it 'sleeping in the hay' but in reality it will most likely be eating our cheese and chocolate fondue and then rolling round the hay with no sleep at all, but many a piriton.


Thursday...

Those who got the short straw had to sleep in the hay... Get it! They had a most wonderful time though with hay everywhere... It's not to be quoted, but I will 'in your pants and all!' :)

Today saw a good breakfast made by the farmer for those in the hay, and expert eggy bread for those in the chalet before A LOTmof showers and the trip highlight - Our Chalet!

In the efficiency of the giffnock guides the 40 minute walk high, high up on the mountain lasted only 25 minures meaning lots of time to sit outside, enjoy the view and get a tear in the eye for being here - Our Chalet. A WAGGGS world center,a draw for all girl guides and scouts round the world, land that the baden Powell's walked on over and over, it makes your heart leap, a lump form in your throat and a smile grow on your face!

This is it ladies.

Our Chalet with a capital O... The history seeps out the walls, the pictures tell a thousand words, and wow are we in the place to be...

This evening lays a head, but the memories (and the pictures) of today will stay with us forever....


Speak soon all, away to swipe away a tear...