It is all too easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of a holiday and to forget that things can and do go wrong. I learnt at an early age how important travel insurance can be and in later life I never left home without adequate cover. Even the healthiest people and the best laid plans can fall prey to disaster and usually just when you don’t expect it. Continue reading
I can still remember when my fascination with the beauty of the Earth’s rocks and minerals began. I was sitting outside of the family tent in Switzerland carefully washing the stones I had collected earlier from the nearby lake. As I examined my finds a climber from the tent next door wandered over to ask what I liked about the stones and I informed him rather lamely that I was looking for sparkly ones but hadn’t found any. Continue reading
Despite the fact that I usually prefer natural wonders which have not been commercialised, I absolutely adore the Trümmelbach Falls in Switzerland. These cascades attract a multitude of visitors and there is an entrance fee but it is well worth braving the hordes to see these majestic cascades in action. Situated in the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, the falls are a must see if you are visiting the stunning Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Continue reading
If you find yourself in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland it is well worth leaving the high alpine walks and pretty towns for the day to visit Blausee in the Kander Valley. Blausee, or Blue Lake, has been a popular visitor attraction since the 1880’s and as soon as you enter the site it is not difficult to see why. A pristine and crystal clear lake of the most striking blue is at the centre of a 20 hectare nature park amidst beautiful forests. Continue reading
There are few places on earth with such a striking and beautiful setting as Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps. Situated just a short drive or train ride from Interlaken, Grindelwald is a small town at the foot of the magnificent Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains and is blessed with some of the finest hiking trails on the planet. There is an excellent network of railways and cable cars to get you to and from the trails with glorious views all around you. Here are some of the great walks in the Grindelwald area. Continue reading