The Misson: The top of Europe -- Jungfrau
Basecamp: Interlaken (lake-level)
Mid-point: Gindelwald
This is the goal, Jungfrau (the peek as seen from the village of Interlaken).
It is not the highest point in Europe (close though), but it is the highest train in Europe. I seem to recall the peek is over 13,000 feet high. The quest is to climb (or rather ride a train) to the top (or rather drink a beer in the restaurant near the top), and explore the glacier (or rather walk on the ice until we get cold).
Attempt #1 -
On our first trip here we spent the first day in the village of Interlaken to get our bearings and set strategies about our attempt to reach the top. We spent the first day shopping and taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village. We got pumped.
This is the village of Interlaken, viewed from our hotel room.
The second day, we planned our ascent. However it rained on us so we aborted the mission. It is no fun on the top of Europe standing on a glacier in the rain, maybe next time. On the drive home, we found a great antique shop though (we almost emptied the place).
Attempt #2 -
On our second trip here we went straight to Gindelwald, bypassing the base camp at Interlaken. We brought extra food in case we got stranded: Cousin Ellen, Kirk, and little Kelly. There was no snow in the low lands as we were transported to target area, but a nice white picturesque blanket in Gindelwald. Grindelwald is a classic Swiss village in the high Alps. It is halfway up the mountain from Interlaken to Jungfrau. Just after we arrived, it started to snow and did not stop.
Here is a shot of the hillsides of Grindelwald after the snow dump.
Well, the snow shot us down this time; no trip to the top. We did get some good shopping done in Grindelwald though. Once again, we left a little early and returned to the base camp in Interlaken (where we all got some more shopping in).
Attempt #3 -
We are determined to conquer that young virgin (translation of Jungfrau, honest). We planned our assault to take place on a warm clear weekend in June, we couldn't miss. It was a three-day weekend, so we set Monday as the day (a little less crowded). Saturday and Sunday were both beautiful and clear. So Monday morning comes and, yes, overcast. Strike 3 your out!
Next time we get back, though, we're going to get to the top of Europe (promise).