We planned slightly later start due to the short distance planned for the day and alarms were set for 6:30am. Of course Nadine was up much earlier.

The Pilgrim Herberge in which we stayed last night was full and it was the first night sleeping with nearly a dozen “strangers”. I was amazed that no one snored (well not obnoxiously loudly anyway). So we all had a decent sleep.

We quickly packed our backpacks in a separate room (a courtesy that pilgrims appreciate) and ate a quick breakfast of yogurt and a nectarine.

It was unusually warm this morning and the air had a bit of a haze, but the sunrise and views of Obersee (lake) were worthy of some frequent photographs.

And tell me this little clip doesn’t make you peaceful!

After crossing the lake made quick work of the few blocks of Pfaffikon before starting the big climb up to the peak of Etzel.

Early in the climb we walked by an interesting place. It looked as though you could rent a tiny house or two. Plus there was a full sized wagon and a carousel. Our grandkids would love to ride that carousel.

It wasn’t the largest climb we will do (~1800 feet) but it was fairly steep and the first big climb always takes some getting used to.

After descending the other side, we crossed the River Sihl over a 12thcentury bridge.

We also saw some highland cows and another type that was most interesting due to their unique coloring (called an Oreo cow)!

The next landmark was a memorial to the Saint Meinrad. He became famous for some miracles but shunned the attention and focus on his life that the notoriety brought so he retreated to the Dark Woods and lived the life of a hermit. His murder by two robbers was documented in 21January 861AD.

Nadine here

Today was a difficult, beautiful, and successful first climb. I paced myself, actually walking more slowly than my normal pace and felt so much better. I still needed time at the top to catch my breath but really much better!

Later in the day sojourning along the same path I met a woman Fabian who was walking with a friend for the last 2 days but the friend had to turn around due to bleeding and blistered feet. Fabian is a mom to two girls ages  8 and 10. She is from the town of Altdorf where the story of William Tell originates. After walking for 3 days, she is catching the train (in the town where we are staying) back to her home. Wouldn’t it be great to go for a walk for 3 days, board a train and be home in an hour and a half?

Later the huge monastery of Einsiedeln (where we are spending the night tonight) was built and dedicated to Saint Meinrad. It is a Benedictine Monastery that is still very active. We were able to listen to a band concert performed by the school band. The private school has 400 students. The monastery also makes money from horses, making wine, and several other business ventures.

Tonight we are staying in the Kloster Einsiedein.  We have rejoined three of the men from last night and Christina.  Meeting back up with people on Camino is fun!

We finished your evening with a nice communal dinner with other pilgrims.