A world of Adventure

            

Before volunteering atOur Chalet, hiking was not something I was all too familiar with, but now I’m a changed woman.  Something about the sport is so conflicting, especially as a beginner, that I was not sure if I loved it or hated it.  As we were making our way up the trails, I was usually a little short of breath, my legs aching, and it all seemed worse when the cold and rainy Swiss weather was in full swing.  I would think to myself, “why I am doing this?”  Well, the reason I am now hooked on hiking is not so easy to put into words, but I will do my best by describing the most challenging hike that we do during summers here atOur Chalet.  The Bunderspitz sunrise hike.       

After a day spent in Thun orInterlakenand a beautiful meal cooked by the Chalet staff, all the eager participants meet at half past seven and head off to the mountain with packs filled of food, water, clothing, a flashlight, seeping sheets, and brave hearts.  The first part of the hike is through a wooded area for about two hours and as we emerge from the clearing at the top of the trees, we can see our resting place for the night, the Cheesemakers Hut.  Just as we are reaching the hut, we can hear alpine horns playing for us as we make our way up, and cowbells ringing in the distance as if they were playing along.  After a cup of hot chocolate we get settled into our cots for a few hours of sleep and set our alarms for 2am. When that time comes we all quietly eat and start heading up the rest of the mountain.           

For me it is in those last 3 hours to the top that are so amazing.  Once you look up to the sky to see a blanket of beautiful bright stars you realize that this hike is a good decision.  About half an hour before the sunrise, the sky starts to become brighter and you can see silhouettes of the hikers in front of you against the beautiful color of the sky.  Finally you reach the peak just in time to be greeted by the sun as it pops its head over the countless mountain in the distance, surrounded by people who have challenged themselves to do something they never thought they could.  As we all enjoy a snack, or a thermos of tea with the company of each other, the mountains, and the sun, its then that I realize how much joy and accomplishment a hike and Our Chalet can bring to my life.

 

By Michelle Hodulik