Adelboden, Switzerland 2005 - Travelogue

Wednesday, 17th August

It was another glorious sunny morning, and at 26°C the hottest day yet. The perfect weather for our second trip to the open-air swimming pool in Adelboden. This time, with the warm sun glistening on the water and the snow capped mountains behind, the setting was idyllic.

After lunch by the pool, which for some was supplemented by chips from the poolside cafe, we headed off for a leisurely hike along the valley to the woodcarvers.

The hike, in glorious sunshine, along the side of the valley took us first to the imposing water spectacle of the Choleren Gorge. The path zig-zagged down to the river below the gorge before a series of walkways and steps took us quite literally up through the 100m long rock gorge while the water cascaded down beside us. As we climbed higher through the wild gorge we could see the impressive waterfalls and where the water had eroded the rocks smooth over many years.

Having climbed up the gorge we continued along the valley to the woodcarvers which was set, quite literally, on the side of the valley with an amazing view back up the valley towards Adelboden. Here, in his traditional woodcarving workshop, we watched Robert Trummer-Ryf at work. Outside were examples of his work, including an eagle and a 6ft high bear. Having browsed around his shop and bought some gifts to bring home it was time for the leisurely hike back.

After dinner, it was back up into Adelboden for the evenings activities. Tonight it was climbing on an indoor climbing wall located in a disused swimming pool. Here, two of the Adelboden Alpine School, Martin and Hans, aided by two of the Leaders instructed the Scouts in climbing. The group was split two groups with each person given the opportunity to attempt at least four separate climbs. The wall offered a variety of routes of increasing difficulty so there was a challenge to suit everybody. The more experienced could attempt the more difficult overhang and arête routes, which some managed to conquer without falling off.