We had yet another discombobulated Morning Update but we’re just trying to keep you on your toes.

After leaving Stans we immediately started climbing and the intensity so early took us all by surprise. We were quiet as we all struggled.

Soon up ahead we saw a children’s school group (I’m guessing 8-9 year olds). They were on a school hike. Keeping them together was a chore for the teachers as it would be at home.  We eventually passed them but very slowly.  It was at this point that the trail got seriously steeper.

Having those whipper-snappers behind us put us under a little pressure to keep up our pace, and boy did I.   Those little ones put the pressure on us to continue our pace.  Thank goodness  they took a snack break after a mile or two.

Young and old in this country are in great shape.  A Swiss man told us that children learn to ski somewhere between the ages of 3-4.  Women and men stroll on these mountains as if it were nothing.  The other thing I noticed is that men in particular are apt to work at very physically demanding jobs well into their 70’s and beyond.  I have so much respect for them.

The Swiss do so many things right here, but I’m stunned that zip lines are not used more frequently.  We visited a church in the area and then went down a thousand steps only to come up a thousand steps and view directly across from us where we’d just   come from.  It’s just not very efficient but good exercise!  Again,  beautiful views  abound.

We visited a couple of chapels and churches throughout the day. Each has its own unique story and  following. Some are quite large and grandiose and others are very tiny.

We were also blessed with spectacular views. I wish our pictures and videos did the amazing views justice, but I think you will have to come in person to truly appreciate God’s artwork of the Alps.

Toward the end of our day, we stumbled across our friend Otto. It was so nice to see him. He said he is staying at the same place that we are tonight. That fact put a spring on our step.

The last kilometer of our day was hard. It had been a long day in kilometers for us. After getting checked into our lodging, Mark made a quick grocery run. We were able to cook our own dinner here. Our host was kind enough to cook in her oven our butternut squash. We were able to cook our green beans and salmon. But the true pleasure came because we were able to share a meal with our friend Otto.