Destination "Les Loisirs," a bob-sled luge that rockets you down the mountain. It is at the base of the "Le Moleson" mountain at 2002 meters above sea level. Google tells us there is also a funicular and cable car that takes you to the summit. Awesome, let’s see both!
Here is the complicated path it took to get there. Take a train from Lousanne to Romont (31 minutes), change trains - next train from Romont to Bulle (19 minutes). Another smaller train from Bulle to Gruyeres (7 minutes). Arrive in Gruyeres (yes, this is where they make Gruyers cheese) then walk two minutes to the bus stop and take bus 263 (13 minutes) up to Moleson-sur-Gruyeres at the base of the mountains. Total travel time is one hour forty four minutes. It happened exactly as planned. Why can't we have train systems like this in the states? To return it went exactly in reverse.
We arrive, take a direct path to the bobsled luge and pay for four trips right away. There is a disclaimer posted that you are riding at your own risk - of course. As you strap your seatbelt, the guy tells you to use the brake and says it is dangerous if you go full speed. You push the handles forward and roll down around the corner where a cable grabs your cart and pulls you up through the woods to the top where the sled hits an abrupt stop. I guess you push the handles forward- yes, the wind rushes into your face as you negotiate the brake - trying to learn how much speed to use on the banking and winding track. The orange curtain slaps in your face at the base - I guess this is the time to brake. What a rush. Monique and I ride double next time because more weight equals more speed. She also wants to video our trip down, which she did. Very fun.
Our stomachs are growling so we head into the small town and find a restaurant. One of the items on our list is eating cheese fondu in the Swiss Alps. We place our order but there is a problem. Our understanding is challenged because they only speak French (Lake Geneva region is considered the French Alps - FYI) the waitress says something and points to the menu - only inside. We are sitting at an outside table but we say, ok and go inside. We do not see where to sit? They say something we do not understand and show us back outside. We are confused. What we didn't understand is that it takes a while to prepare and they did not have the inside tables set up. We wait and finally go back in and find the room behind the drapes. We have a cool dining room to ourselves. The fondu is expensive so my guess is most people don't order it. It is also hot outside so what crazy person orders melted cheese on a day like this? But let me tell you it was great. It came with bread and potatoes similar to Yukon golds to dip. Never thought of doing that. We eat more cheese than you would think is possible. Check it off the list.
The tickets to the summit are kind of pricey, but we know the view will be worth it - so we buy the funicular and cable car round trip. You have the option of riding up and walking down - that’s cool, but we will ride both ways because we have a timing issue. I give Monique credit because she is afraid of heights and this takes a serious commitment - It made me queezy at times. We agree the views are more beautiful than anything else we have seen. It beats the Rocky Mountains and views we have seen in Alaska. The wide expanses are mind blowing but it is also the fact you can walk, drive or even live in such a place. Our pictures will not do it justice. It is simply breathtaking.
Back to Lausanne. We leave town tomorrow so a quick stop to pick up a bottle of wine and a take-away pizza. Some computer work and packing of the bags await. Switzerland is an amazing place. We definitely will return someday.
Grape vines alongthe hills of Lake Geneva. Check out those views!
The beginningof the bob-luge - anticipation…
Fondue in the Swiss Alps - We were worried because we ordered the connoisseurs fondue - was it going to be stinky cheese? No - it was amazing.
Another group of people arriving at the summit.
You can hear the cow bells and see the paths that lead downhill if you choose to hike down.
A panorama at the summit.
This is one of the most beautiful places on this earth - photos do not do justice.