Back in civilization

Well, it's Sunday, and Swiss National Day. Sorry for the lack of updates but WiFi is not very common here. We are in Grindelwald for the night, having completed our hit trip to the summit of the Faulhorn. Our night there was fantastic. We really enjoyed our days in the sleepy town of Murren, where we hiked, visited a small mountain daily to drink fresh mild shakes, and eat cheese and sausage that the kids were convinced was dried donkey. and enjoyed the authentic little village. From thief, we took the cable car back down to the valley and took a cog rail up another mountain to the trailhead of The Faulhorn. The hike up was about like doing a Colorado 14er (except there are little huts on the way up at sell beer and more of that donkey sausage.). The climb up took about 4 hours and ended in fresh snow and incredible views. The hut is the oldest mountain "hotel" in Europe. (that's a term we use lightly). The unheated stone hut had a tiny pair of rooms with matching twin beds, no heat or running water, and a 2 minute walk to the bathroom down a hallway lit by candles. It got down into the 20s which made for a chilly night. But the views of the surrounding peaks was like nothing we have ever seen. The Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau, as well as a dozen other snow capped peaks we right there in all their glory. We enjoyed a dinner of fresh pasta and pork stroganoff, and even bought a 1 liter bottle of water for $16. But it's a long walk to the nearest store...
In the morning we hiked down past a pair of gorgeous lakes into Bort, a littler hamlet above Grindelwald. There we rented trottibikes (sort of like the kids scooters only with 18 inch wheels. We flew down the mountain to our hotel, checked in an enjoyed our first shower in two sweaty days. We're here right in the heart of wildflower season and Kel is in heaven. Went off to the market and bight food for dinner and to ned early (despite the fireworks) as we are up early tomorrow and off to Lichtenstein and Germany to see some castles and leave the beauty oof the Swiss Alps behind us.
Everyone is well, having a great time, and sorry to be leaving chocolate country in the read view mirror. But gelato lies before us along with lots more great country. Miss you all.