Grindelwald

Two of us had a plan to escape the heat wave.

Three trains later, we were at the foot of the Bernese Alps, in Grindelwald.

It was all so simple with the SBB app. Plug in your destination, browse through your options, tap and get your ticket as a QR-style code. You'll see the platform for your arrival and connection, and you'll see where you are as the train is en route.

My friend had been here on a prior cycling trip and knew what we should do. We hopped on a bus that took us up the mountain to Grosse Scheidegg; given the time we had, we chose an easy hike above the valley to First, where we could catch a gondola back down to the road. Basically, it was this route (but in the opposite direction).

We made slow progress, stopping frequently to admire the vistas.

And the wildflowers!

It was an easy hike, but we picked up the pace as we approached First to ensure we'd get back down to Grindelwald in time to catch the train we wanted.

That said, mountains never to be trifled with. We passed a plaque in memory of an experienced local guide and two other men who lost their lives along this route in August, 2000.

The trail snakes along the slopes of the Schwarzhorn; in one section, there were still patches of snow.

Melting and flowing down the mountain.

We made it back to Burgdorf in time for dinner.

Not your average day hike, eh? [Well, unless you're Swiss.]