Oh, what a good weekend!

I was very fortunate this weekend to have a partner in crime in the person of my lovely sister-in-law, Michelle. Now, I generally enjoy the solitude of my weekend wanders, but there are certainly a few people whom I would always welcome to walk with me. “Mitch” is one of them. Excellent company, she is. Talks alot. But that is ok – it is all interesting.

To celebrate her visit here in Switzerland we went a little further afield to Engelberg -Fürenalp – about an hour’s drive away and properly in the alps. We had been forecasted good, clear weather which did not entirely materialize but at least it was not pouring rain. The grand panoramic view of the giants may have been mostly hidden – but it was still beautiful in every direction. And when the big ones did peek through the clouds my guest was absolutely floored and I was as proud as if I had made them myself. Mitch noted that Switzerland’s marketing bi-line should read “Switzerland – Just look up.” I could not agree more.

So 7 hours, a lot of dilly-dallying, a bit of a wine buzz and some blisters later we were back in Engelberg. It occurred to me all throughout that I could have enough memories and photographic material from this day to bring me through a year of painting. I could call it “the Engelberg Series” and perhaps the town’s library could allow me an exclusive showing in their basement?

Anyway, could forever wax poetic over how amazing it was, but think the photos say it more eloquently.

In other good news a finished painting is expected by the end of the week. This one is interesting (for me at least) because I am using some of the lessons learned from the Mitchell Albala book. Oh, also, I might post in a day or two a second weekly wander of today’s trip to Ballenberg- a fascinating place for any of you who fancy lovely old swiss architecture. At the moment though I need to go to sleep in the hope that the muscles in my legs will continue to repair themselves.

Happy weekend to you, and where ever you are I hope you get the opportunity to take a good, edifying wander.

– Humble Dauber