Last weekend saw temperatures rise to 34 around our parts. Normally this has us pasty-skinned Canadians running for cover but seeing as we live in a “Dach Wohnung” (roof apartment) the heat inside was worse than that outside. Might as well get out there and hike, I figured. Good choice. It was much cooler up in the mountains.

Last sunday’s hike was another local one at Sattel Hochstückli in Kanton Schwyz. Together with a dear old friend from Basel days, we took the rotating gondola up (you didn’t expect a climb in that heat, surely). Sattel Hochstückli is a small all-seasons resort catering to families. From one side you get views of lake Aegeri and the rolling hills of Kanton Zug and Rigi and Pilatus of Kanton Luzern in the distance. A short hike away to the other side of the “bump” you get views of snow topped peaks of Kantons and Schwyz and Luzern, and blue green lake Lauerz (I think – my sense of directions is lacking). I love variety!

It was all a bit more crowded a hike than I am used to. With such clearly marked and easily accessible trails, many amenities, and the fact it was a long weekend it was bound to be. Surprisingly, that did not detract from it but make the wander feel a bit more festive. It is so nice to see people from very young to very old enjoying the outdoors. It also makes me think that my own kids are a bit “soft” and it is time to get them out there in mini hiking boots like the hardy swiss tots doing these trails.

Anyway, it was a relatively short hike (around 3 hours) but absolutely perfect for the day. We both ended sweaty, well-sunned and happy. We also had the best Flammkuchen ever at the restaurant near the top of the gondola. All in all a success. No great inspiration for painting (possibly some source material for a small mountain study, though) but just a very fun day with a very dear person.

Here is to the beginning of summer and hopefully many more such days!

– HD

(ps. previously promised new painting to follow in a few days (I hope!). As ever, I am “planning myself” out of painting time. The good weather makes this worse…)