Monday 26th July
We had a pretty quiet night - except for the occasional train rumbling past (did I mention the fact that the train line runs about 20 yds away from the camp?). It was dry for the most part, everyone was ready for breakfast at 8. There was a good spread, everyone seems satisfied. We then had to make our own packed lunches - again a very good selection of food was available.
Once we'd all regrouped, we split into teams and did a treasure hunt around Kandersteg. We set off down the valley, headed for Kandersteg. For the first time everyone really got a chance to take in the scenery. It is breath taking. The camp lies in a deep valley, surrounded by shear cliffs topped with snowy summits. Its quite a sight. Nestling all along the valley floor are the most beautiful chocolate box chalets. Running down the vallet is the river Kander, which this time of year is running fast, and is a strangely opaque gray colour.
After visiting a cable car base station, watching para-gliders, visiting the ice rink, swimming pool and train station, we were hit by the first shower of the day - it was to be one of those sunny one minute, pouring the next kind of days! We headed off, hopefully to meet up with the other groups for lunch at one of the clue sites. My group however failed to really take notice of the directions, and we wound up a mile down the valley by a hydroelectic facility and a ski jump! Very interesting, but not where we were supposed to be. A quick lesson in map reading, and a jog back up the trail, and we were off again. This time we found the correct path up to 'Hoh', which is a view point high above the valley. The last part of the climb was over some very steep and loose scree which was unnerving. However the view from the top was worth it.
Lunch attended to, we all set off again back down to the valley floor. After a few more hours following the trail around Kandersteg, we finally returned to camp for some free time.
In the evening a BBQ was laid on for us, and we had an 'Internation Evening' in one of the camp buildings. Here groups from around the world ran tables showing off facets of their native countries, and offering to do swaps for items, or providing some traditional food (the UK table was handing out cups of tea - particularly well received by some of the leaders! - and toad in the hole). Several groups also laid on games in which everyone was encouraged to join in.
By now the rain had really set in, so it was a damp end to a very enjoyable day.
We've managed to upload some photos now - so please take a look in the photo gallery. We'll try to arrange photos day by day.
Doug
