We didn't go far from the garden house today. Had a late breakfast and then spent a great deal of time writing the entry for yesterday's Avenches Tattoo. Took so long to download and then upload the videos as the files were quite large. Helena prepared breakfast. Christine has the next few days off.
Spent time this afternoon watching the boats go by on Lake Thun. The motor vessel Bubenberg has 4 lounges and a large sun deck. It is the smallest of the boats that traverse Lake Thun.
Lake Thun stands out with its deep blue clear water in the middle of the Bernese Alps.
The Bubenberg, built by Bodan Werft Kressbronn, can carry 700 passengers. It was constructed in 1962 and renovated in 1992. The length over all is 167.32 feet (51.00 meters) and has a width of 34.34 feet (10.50 meters). In 2024, it had a remotorization by Shiptec Lucerne. The catering capacity is 72 meals where as the catering capacity for aperitif/snacks is 192.
The pyramid shaped mountain is the Niesen. The summit of the mountain is 2,362 meters (7,749 ft) in elevation. It overlooks Lake Thun and forms the northern end of a ridge that stretches north from Albristhorn and Mannliflue, separating the Simmental and Kandertal Valleys. The summit can be reached easily by using the Niesenbahn funicular from Mülenen (near Reichenbach). The construction of the funicular was completed in 1910.
Alongside the funicular is the longest stairway in the world, with 11,674 steps. It is only open to the public once a year for a stair run event.
Because of its shape, the Niesen is often called the Swiss Pyramid. The Niesen may have influenced some modernist paintings by Paul Klee, in which an abstracted pyramidal form is seen.
The Niesen even has a poem you can learn where you can forecast the weather.
Hat der Niesen einen Hut, wird das Wetter wieder gut.
Hat der Niesen eine Brille, so geschehe Gottes Wille.
Hat der Niesen einen Bart, wird das Wetter fein und zart.
Hat der Niesen einen Kragen, darfst du's grad noch wagen.
Hat der Niesen eine Weste, bleib zu Haus, das ist das Beste.
Hat der Niesen einen Besen, bleib zu Haus, denn es gibt Regen.
Hat der Niesen ein Gilet, gibts Hagel bis zum Zeh.
Hat der Niesen einen Mantel, trimm dich fit mit deiner Hantel.
Hat der Niesen an die Hosen, beginnt bald das grosse Tosen.
Hat der Niesen an die Schuhe, lass ihm besser seine Ruhe.
We hear the local people talk about how they look at the Niesen to determine what the weather is. At times, it is more accurate than you can find on the weather channel. Frau Meier always looked toward the Niesen.
Firewood and charcoal are even provided.
The road goes from Interlaken to Thun and back. The building on the road is the entrance to the St. Beatus-Hölen Caves. The St Beatus Caves are located directly on the Way of St James. To date, 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) of the extensive cave system have been explored, one kilometer of which is secured for visitors. The tour covers an 87-meter (285.45 ft.) drop and a total of 297 steps along grottos, chambers and gorges, as well as streams, waterfalls and imposing stalactites and stalagmites.
I always laugh that is Swiss walking time.
People trying to cool off.
We heard thunder off in the distance so Michael checked the bus schedule.
Decided on a pizza for an early dinner. It is too hot and humid to prepare anything at the house.
Arrived back at the house just before the thunderstorm arrived.
Love to hear the thunder echo around and off the mountains. It is quite breezy now, so I'm hoping the humidity will go down.
Michael and I will watch an episode of the Netflix Korean Series, Love Next Door, before we call it a night.
Hope everyone in the States is having a relaxing Labor Day Weekend.
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