2. Europe

Switzerland 2007

Switzerland 2007
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SwitzerlandJungfrau

  • Patrick follows climbing over a small section with a large drop below. The clouds surrounding help us to forget that we are surrounded by beautiful and immense peaks. Eventually we fall into the grind of up motions and crawling across trying not to allow the rocks to fall on those climbing below us.
  • We route an area that comes into a large cavern of rock between the two peaks. The snow was creeping down on us, or had we crawled up to meet it?
  • After continuing upward for about 30 minutes the snow started to grow in sections. At times it was soft and other times a vertical ice rink. The two climbing below us had gore-tex pants, mountain boots, several layers, and ropes. Once again I found myself crawling through an alpine area in my tennis shoes, Patrick was similarly dressed.
  • We opened into the chasm and found a great site in front of us. The rocks were warming and soon could come crashing down around us more frequently. We had started on green grass and this seemed a different universe. Encases in ice and rock we were organic life forms where they didn't belong.
  • The snow became deep in some areas and small waterfall crossings added sweat to our shoes. A fall here would certainly mean death. The Eiger Nordwand has disappeared around the corner but the ferocity of the face still lingers in my mind. I get a strong urge to attempt it and have began a dangerous transition in my mind. Need I climb the wall that has claimed so many?
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  • On the summit of the Rotstock we saw only clouds. Lots of clouds. We sat down and waited for an hour and a half as the heat was very comfortable. We got inconsistent views of the peaks. In one such clearing Jungfrau had a curious cloud over its summit. The colors of this cloud were amazing and lasted only a few minutes before disappearing back into the blue.
  • Here you can see a section of the Kletterstiegg Rotstock. If you look very closely you may also see the climber in blue ascending the route. We had brought our harnesses but had not used them.
  • A large overhanging glacier sits on the side of The Eiger. We sat for a bit looking at the side in this clearing and both wanted to give an attempt at the peak itself. We knew we were not equipped for it however and opted to live a bit longer. The route looked very appetizing and did not appear to difficult.
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  • I can't quite remember what the name of this phenomenon is but it is a curious happening when climbing. Surrounding your shadow in the clouds is a beautiful set of rainbows.
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  • The Monk on the right and Eiger on left. The summit of the Rotstock is visible on the left, it is the higher rock summit still partially in the clouds. Wengernalp is at the base. Here you can ride the train through the Eiger mountain and up to Jungfraujoch. The highest tram point in Europe and I do mean through the Eiger. It tunnels through the mountain under the glacier and up to Jungfrau.
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  • We climbed down from the peak and enjoyed a very nice walk back down the valley to Wengen where we payed 6CHF to take a train back to Lauterbrunnen. It had been an incredible day with amazing views.
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  • The town of Wengen does not look like a bad place to live. I asked around about jobs while I was there...I think it would be a heck of a place to spend a few months!
  • This is the view from my Hostel window. The bed itself was in high demand but I was able to get it on the last night of my stay. Staubbach falls is in the background.
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