Grindelwald, Switzerland - Hikes and Pastoral Views

 My big summer vacation this year was spent in Switzerland and nearby France. One of the highlights of the trip was a few days in Grindelwald, a classically Swiss mountain village that is not as developed as Zermatt, but still offers the same level of outdoor adventure. The food in Grindelwald was outstanding, the view from the Airbnb featured the north face of the Eiger in all of its glory, and the hiking in the surrounding mountains was first class. One hike started at the top of the Grindelwald First Gondola that was followed by a short trek over to the alpine lake Bachsee. The lake foreground and mountain background is featured in many pictures through the years. I also enjoyed the Swiss cows feasting on grass near the lake, who were friendly and inquisitive. My travel partner Carly and I then hiked back down to Grindelwald from Bachsee, had lunch at a mountain hut halfway down, and then coasted to the valley, where we then feasted on gourmet pizza at Onkel Tom's Weinlokal (I highly recommend this place!). A walk around Reformierte Kirche was also peaceful and proved to be a good spot for photography. For anyone interested, here is the link to the Airbnb with the super Eiger view...the hosts were outstanding people...no regrets.

Map of Grindelwald is here.

Eiger West Flank - Grindelwald, Switzerland

 Carly Kovacik and myself made an attempt on the Eiger West Flank during mid August. We took the first gondola up to the Eigergletscher station. We then made our way up easy slabs, eventually reaching a slightly tricky low class 5 move that had some consequences if one were to slip. We also decided not to rope up after this section since a fall by one person would undoubtedly pull the other unanchored partner off the mountain. Soon we reached another cliff, that although could be ascended unroped, seemed formidable enough to turn back from since we couldn't find a way to properly belay the climb up and over the obstacle. Our attempt on the West Flank was now over. We descended back down the slabs, and then earned our dinner and drinks by hiking all the way back down to Grindelwald. The scenery was outstanding along the way, and I particularly enjoyed the deep narrow flumes full of rushing cascading water.

The Eiger is located here. YouTube video is here.

Lassen Volcano // Brokeoff Mountain // Fall River Hotel

 I soloed my way up Lassen Volcano during mid July, and then drove over to the trailhead of Brokeoff Mountain. The hike up to the summit of Brokeoff was relatively slow going due to very hot conditions. I made it nevertheless, and was greeted to the always grand view of Lassen. Flies at the summit of Brokeoff were a big annoyance, and I did not sit at the top for long as a result. Great day all in all, and I started the whole thing at the fantastic Fall River Hotel. If anyone is looking for a bit of a Wild West setting, Fall River is the place for you. The town is just pristine, a hidden gym in Northern California...surrounded by nature, quiet, peaceful, a good place to think, slow down, and contemplate.

Fall River Hotel is here. Lassen Volcano is here. Brokeoff Mountain is here. YouTube video is here.

Deer Pass via Long Canyon - Trinity Alps // Bonus Redwood Pictures

 Amy Schreiber and myself hiked up Long Canyon in the Trinity Alps and eventually crested Deer Pass. The weather was absolutely perfect sunny mild early summer conditions. Snow was still abundant above treeline, and all creeks/streams were full and raging. Nothing too crazy about this experience, just a pleasant day in the mountains. The next day Amy and I trekked through the Arcata Community Forest and admired giant trees and stumps. Northern California is a true playground for the outdoor enthusiast.

Mount Hood - Old Chute Route

 Carly Kovacik and myself successfully summited Mount Hood on June 11th. The Pearly Gates were clearly out of season at this point, but the Old Chute Route was a solid go. We got up into the crater shortly after sunrise, worked our way around a few volcanic fumerols, and reached the 600 foot ascent up the Old Chute snowy ice climb. This was our first time ascending this type of feature, and at a 40-50 degree angle, didn't pose too much of a challenge (going up). We reached the crater rim in good time, traversed a narrow cat walk, and we were soon standing on the summit. We enjoyed the summit for a bit, then made our way back across the cat walk and faced the daunting Old Chute down climb. The down climb was certainly a different experience compared to the up climb. I personally have never down climbed a steep snow/ice wall for that amount of distance, and thus took things very slow and cautious-like. I wasn't certain if a full-on slip would be a death fall, but serious injury would be certain given the angle and distance to the bottom. Nevertheless, Carly and I got down, relaxed a bit next to steaming hot rocks, and then slogged/glissaded our way down the mountain and back to Timberline.

Google map of Mount Hood is here. YouTube video is here.