September 7

September 7th (sunny and slightly cooler)
The day started out with news from Carla via email that Oma broke her leg falling from a ladder and was in the Comox hospital. At first, Georg was angry in that, at the age of 82, she still hasn’t learned to stay off of ladders. We were a little concerned, to say the least. We will attempt to make contact with someone back home before the end of the day.
After we got underway, the scenery was the most beautiful we have ever witnessed. The drive through the Interlaken area was like “driving through a continuous post card”. We took a side trip to Gimmelwald, not Grindelwald, where all the tourists go. Rick Steve’s recommended this two-street, 700-year-old village situated halfway up the mountain as the quintessential Swiss village to visit. The only access is by gondola and I was a little weak-kneed looking straight down 4,800 meters.
We could have taken two more gondolas further up to visit the revolving restaurant where James Bond’s “007” movie was filmed, but we have already experienced a high-altitude gondola. We preferred to spend more time walking through the village of Gimmelwald. Interesting note – the 130 townfolk share three surnames – Allmen, Brunner and Feuz. The area was absolutely awe-inspiring. We also watched paragliders jump from about the 6,000 meter mark and float down the valley and land right next to our van. Looks something we might take up when we get home – ha ha!
As Gimmelwald is situated above a dead-end road, we had the pleasure of driving back through this wonderful valley. From there, we drove to Bern, found our campsite, which was virtually empty as the children are all back in school. We strolled around after dinner and noted that some type of a traditional two-man boating competition is being held right outside our campground on the River Aare.
We managed to get in touch with Gerlinde by phone and it turns out that Georg’s mom jumped off an unstable ladder whilst picking apples before their planned trip to Winnipeg. Regardless, her leg has been ‘pinned’ and consequently, the trip back east is now off. Ed, her son-in-law, with a dry sense of humour, brought a gift to her this morning to the hospital – an apple. The recovery should take about six months. We hope Georg’s mom has the patience.