I looked out at our pile of sand in the front yard, left over from preparing for the new garage slab, and it reminded me of the Eiger mountain in Switzerland. Well, maybe if you squint your eyes!
The intrepid mountain climber poses in front of the mighty FL-Eiger. (Florida Eiger)
I was fortunate to visit Switzerland when I was in 9th grade. The ski club my parents belonged to chartered a plane and we spent almost 2 weeks visiting and skiing in different parts of the country. We were in Grindelwald, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen for several days, at the base of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
The Eiger mountain is left of center in this
map of the ski runs and towns.
When I think back to this opportunity I had, I can only shake my head in awe. This area was so amazing. I can't describe the 'bigness'. I was a mere spec in a field of towering mountains, rock and snow, with a huge expanse of blue over it all. We'd take the trains, funiculars and lifts to the top and then would
spend 2-3 hours skiing back into town.
This part of the trip was also memorable as an American climber* fell to his death, in his attempt to climb the Eiger. I clearly remember seeing the headlines in newspapers while at a restaurant at the Eigergletscher - the end of the train, near the top of the accessible mountain.
But I digress.... back to the FL-Eiger: The girls decided to try some mountain climbing of their own.
Dissension breaks out
A threatening move sets the stage.
I double dog dare you is heard.
A hasty retreat ends the battle of the FL-Eiger.
At least for today!
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