After our trip to London in June, my cousin came back to Zurich with us.
We did a couple of day trips while she was in town. Our first stop was Luzern and Mount Pilatus.
We decided to take the boat from Luzern to Alpnachstad and then the cogwheel up to Pilatus Kulm. For our way down, we opted to take the cable cars from Pilatus Kulm to Fräkmüntegg and Kriens. If you have some time during your trip to Pilatus, I highly recommend taking the boat on Lake Luzern at least one leg of your journey to the top of the mountain.
I had read that the Pilatus cogwheel was the steepest in the world but was tickled pink to find a plaque from the American Society of Mechanical Engineer's certifying it as so.
The ride is beautiful and the incline is prety impressive.
What can I say? I'm an engineer at heart and I'm not afraid to admit it.
Once we reached the top we were saddened to find the views obstructed by clouds. Again.
Throughout Europe I find scaffolding and clouds in my way.
Anyway, we walked around anyway and found ourselves next to a storm cloud. The thunder coming from right next to us was impressive. Despite that, we decided to sit outside and have a snack. Lo and behold, the sun came out.
And then the clouds went away.
We enjoyed the views for a bit and then decided to catch the cable cars down. That's when we saw this.
Switzerland's longest toboggan run. Looks like fun, right? Well, we thought so too. So Tricia took Marion down the 1350-metre long run.
Then they enjoyed the ride back up.
Wish I could have gone but Betti was with us. Darn baby!
Anyway, after our trip up Pilatus, we walked around Luzern for a bit. Luzern is one of my favorite Swiss cities. On a lake, beautiful Old Town, great restaurants, gorgeous Chapel Bridge... It's a fantastic city to visit.
We decided to eat dinner there before heading home. And that's when Tricia snapped this picture of me.
I was telling Marion to sit in her chair. I love this picture because it shows in a nutshell how I spend most of my time these days: hanging on to Betti, telling Marion to stop doing whatever she is doing. Hopefully, in a beautiful European city.
I can't complain.
Anyway, Pilatus. Fun in the summer and I hear it's a blast in the winter as well. Go!
6 comments:
Thanks for the post! Your blog has helped us plan so many trips this fall! Your write up is great, can't wait to get out there!
What a great post! Pilatus looks really neat, but I would LOVE to do the tobaggon ride!!! Is that a safety harness on the sled? The views are pretty spectacular. Love to all.
Great post. Looks like a great
day for all of you. So happy the
sun came out....makes a big difference.
Love,
Mom
What, am I the only engineer reading this with the question???
What is the angle of ascent? Surely ASME didn't leave that important detail off of the plaque! I've gotta know!
Uh. Never mind. I just zoomed in on the photo. 48%.
Impressive!
:-)
Mike
I can so picture Hoppy on the toboggan with a grandchild or two. I was wondering about the angle, too. Must have been due to all those years married to a crazy engineer! I love the trip pics, too, and am glad the sun came out for you.
Thank you for reminding me of this beautiful spot! I haven't been there for a long time. Though maybe fall isn't the best time of year for the trek (or ride ;-)) up!
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