Two days in the mountains

It was a perfect weekend to be outside. On Saturday I went on a solo snowshoe hike from Schwagalp (the base of Saentis) to Stein (photos | google earth). Most of the route was in the shadow of a valley, but opened to a gorgeous panorama at Risipass overlooking the Churfirsten mountains. It was very quiet and I met only four other people over the 14km. I'd definitely like to hike here again in the winter and summer.

This morning I woke up sore but determined for another day of snowshoeing. I went with friends to the Graeppelensee area in the Toggenburg (photos | google earth). It was very warm and we hiked for hours in our thin undershirts. By coincidence we ran into friends in the parking lot who were here for a 'ski-tour'. A ski-tour is a mixed sport of using modified skiis to climb up the mountain and then ski back down. We also found the Graeppelensee geocache with the help of Mika. Mika is a dog who accompanied us on the hike and dug through the snow to find the cache. Good job! We finished the day with a deserving meal and beer.

I'm pooped and looking forward to bed.