Switzerland: the Land of Knives, Watches and Cheese With Holes

Camille and I continued our journey onward. Our next stop was to see (and maybe climb) Mont Aiguille in Vercors. Our camping spot was quite nice and we were treated with a splendid sunset. We were joined by a man (by the name of Patrick) who moved to Sweden but sometimes drives back to France for work. It was Patrick's birthday and we were happy to provide him with some company and share a few drinks. We ended the night by setting off a Chinese lantern. 

The next day it was raining on and off so we decided not to climb Mont Aiguille. Patrick provided us with information on a nice hike nearby. It was absolutely splendid! In the photo you can see Mont Aiguille in the distance (the really cool looking spire/plateau). 

Our campsite the following night also provided us with an astonishing sunset. 

We then stopped in Annecy. Initially it was to see Camille's cousin but she was sick. However, her friend from Paris happened to be there (the wonders of social media) and they were able to catch up which was nice. Annecy was a really nice city. 

We then headed through Chamonix and into Switzerland! Mt. Blanc was stunning!

Through a mix of planning and coincidences we met up with my friends Oliver and Franzi (who I met in New Zealand and then saw them again in Australia). We decided to climb together in Locarno Switzerland. A bit of a resort city, but surrounded by beautiful mountains and adjacent to a nice lake. 

The rock surrounding Locarno is comprised of gneiss which is the same as what we have in Massachusetts. I haven't climbed on gneiss since I was home 5 months ago and the reminiscence was warmly welcomed. 

Camille got a shot of me trying a super fun 7a+ (5.12a). After a rest I was able to nab the send on my second try. As it was my last climb in Switzerland, I was sufficiently psyched. 

To end our visit with Oliver and Franzi we shared some drinks by the lake. It was really great seeing them again and I look forward to the next random encounter. 

Camille and I are now across the Italian border making our way to Arco for more awesome climbing, per recommendation by Oliver. Looking forward to tasting some pizza and pasta! 

(P.S. love you Mom)