May Day Hike

Switzerland is a country full of hiking paths. Paths vary from the challenging steep-slope paths to the flat, lake-side promenades suitable for an afternoon stroll. To further experience the Swiss countriside, I embarked on a hike on the countryside just besides Geneva near the French border.

The hike started off from the Swiss meteorological station weather station that collects meteorological data to be relayed to the central processing centre in Geneva.


The walk proceeded with a sudden threat of some thundershowers:


Until the path began to be steeper and steeper and narrower and narrower:

On top, you'll see magnificent views of valleys and hills:


Getting lost is actually not an excuse but is a sign of lousiness as the path is well-marked with directions and distances:

It was interesting to see a group of elderly stronger and more enthusiastic than you are on the hike as they battle the mountain's steep slopes and narrow paths complete with chants of hihohhihoh in unison (albeit en francais):


Lunchtime came by and it was time to build a fire for the barbecue:






After the fire, we were able to grill our St Gallen sausages from Coop, the first time for me to try this white Swiss-made sausage:



And me striking a pose pretending to be confident despite my quickly receding hairline:( :


Thirty minutes later, I reached the top of La Dole where I saw a huge radar installation.


It is not an installation for the Swiss military tracking missiles that stray into its 'neutral territory' but for Geneva's international airport. Inside, air traffic controllers manage surrounding Swiss and French airspace within a 150-km radius. It provides aeroplanes in the area permission to use altitudes and is a centre of communication with them.

Descending down the hike, I passed by some scenes which could be regarded as typically Canadian:


It seems like somewhere in BC eh?

With this, I just want to thank people who have patiently read my blog even though most of the time it is boring and full of nonsense rants. I am grateful for all of my friends and for all of those who care about me supportive of my endeavours and trying to understand what I have been going through over the past couple of months. Comprehending it is sometimes difficult and I do appreciate your patience and attempts in understanding. Thanks for the comments and the emails, please keep them coming as it puts a respite on my day! Kindly keep me in your prayers that I may have the spirit with me. Thanks for everything.