Bisisthal - Linthal Tramp (19-20 Sept 2009)

Aye, yes, guys, long time no blogging, which does not mean I was lazing around and not being out and about! But it's much easier to write about a weekend than about a few weeks, thus, I'll just gonna cover the tramp Marcel and I just did over the weekend.

The idea to do this tramp was mainly because I had a map of the region and the area seemed quite promising.

Situated in the middle of Switzerland, this part of the Alps was yet unknown to me and it was the business of this tramp to go and explore. Naturally, we took along the tarp, stove, food etc to be independent of any huts.

I did the planning of the route using GIS, because it is well known that the digital age is so much more efficient. Well, in fact, I reckon it took me longer to sort out all the little problems, than had I done it the old fashioned way. However, the resulting map looks neat and the time schedule is way detailed!

Topomap showing the trail

We started around 10am and were soon making our way through a forest with trillions of ants crawling on the path. A steeply inclined trail took us towards the tree line and we were sweating profusely due to the high humidity. Another climb brought us from a valley full of cows with enormous bells up to a jumble of limestone rocks. At the other end of this undulating field of boulders came an awesome sight: a great plain stretched all the way to the next mountain range, which seemed a long way off and immensely steep.

Marcel consulting map and GPS with the next range in the background

Looking towards the next range

I whipped out my camera and told Marcel to keep going, as I wanted to document his advance over the plain. It was clear that the hazy conditions combined with looking towards the sun resulted in a distortion of distances. The plain that seemed some kilometres wide was crossed in a matter of minutes!

Marcel on the big plain (the little dot approaching the other side of the plain)

Cliffs above the plain

View towards the head of the valley

I then followed Marcel and had a delightful stroll over the expanse of swampy ground towards the other side, where we found a little rivulet to top up our water bottles before the ascent to a pass that would lead us to another valley. As usual, we quickened our pace when approaching the top as we longed to see what lay beyond!

On the pass with the Glattalp valley behind us

We had a few minutes rest, enjoying the view and marvelling at the mix of clouds and sunshine towards the West. Then we tramped on, first traversing and then descending to the confluence of a few little, almost dried-out streams where we found running water and a flat, dry place to set up camp. It was still quite early and we enjoyed a cuppa and had a good yarn.

Clouds shroud the peaks in the West

Our camp

Having a cuppa and watching the clouds roll in

Another cup of tea, some snoozing and suddenly it got somewhat chilly with the sun gone and fog reducing the view drastically. We retired to the tent and prepared dinner: pasta with tomato soup and cheese; an all time classic.

Just when we were ready to dig in, a light drizzle started.

"Ah, wonderful!" - 'What a timing!'

With delight we listened to the sound of rain on the tarp.

Alas, the rain soon stopped and the night passed without any further natural lullaby.

The next morning dawned quite clear but on the next pass hung clouds. We had a porridge for breakfast, which was quite good, despite the fact that Marcel kept sneering at my promises of '... this will be a porridge like no other!'

A traverse and steep climb brought us up to the saddle (2395 m asl) where a cold wind was blowing and we soon started the descent on the other side.

Steep descent from the pass

From there, just about 3 kilometres horizontal and 1800 metres vertical separated us from our goal: the train station where the chances to get a beer were extraordinarily high, for it was a warm day again!

A most excellent 2 day trip and in unison, we lifted our pints and declared: "Tramping rocks!"