What is the first thing you think of when you think of Switzerland?  Probably chocolate & cheese, but you could also be thinking of the famous Swiss Alps!  Yesterday we hiked one of the many peaks of the Alps.  After taking the train, we started out at the base & began our climb.  The trail was fairly steep, but it was nothing compared to what we would soon face summiting the peak.

Just the start of the trail & the view is already amazing!

Pepperdine students are very familiar with hills…

We’re almost there!

Before trying to make it to the top, we stopped for lunch, which we had brought with us.  We had a simple baguette with cheese, turkey, & a piece of chocolate each.  Although it doesn’t seem like much, this was one of the best things I have eaten here so far…& I made it myself!  Although I am not an expert sandwich connoisseur, I think the quality of a sandwich lies in the bread, & it can’t get much better than a French baguette!

The view at our picnic!

Une baguette!

It doesn’t get much better than this!

Full & ready to summit the peak!

After finishing lunch & enjoying the beautiful view, we started out climbing to the peak.  It was very steep & I found myself on all fours more than a couple times.  It was all worth it though when we reached the top…the view was spectacular!  You could see for miles.

Incroyable!

Don’t fall Caroline!

Sasha made it up too! She’s only six!

We did it!

We made our way slowly down the mountain, ending off the trip with a delicious cup of hot chocolate…we are in Switzerland after all!

Another spectacular view!

The perfect reward!

Although I am a little sore today after nearly 14 miles, hiking the Alps is just one more thing I can cross off my Swiss bucket list!