Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Zinal 7/10/24


I decided that I needed to walk some, loosen up, etc., before tomorrow's hike to my last hut. Of course, getting there will be straight up. It was so beautiful that I walked 7.5 miles on mostly level ground. It was just glorious! It was only about 65 to 70 degrees. Perfect.


The black cows are Herens, well-known for their aggressive females. In spring, heifers (cows who have not yet given birth) and cows (cows who have given birth) fight one against another in five weight classes in the local tradition of "cow fighting." According to a man I talked with briefly, the girl who wins is crowned "King."  He said the males don't fight in an organized event.


Lots of art around here.  This one looks like a seagull. If it is, he is way off course.


The color of that water is like no other.

This is a little pond, probably 8 feet deep. In the center is a rock bird on another rock.


The absolute most beautiful river, barreling down from the mountain.



I have always been fascinated by these fountains all over Switzerland, which have clean, drinkable water. Theirs is natural, and we can't provide drinking water to cities like Flint.  We have definitely screwed with Mother Nature, and we will all certainly pay the price at some point sooner than later.


 As I approached Zinal, I decided to take some photos of the chalets you see only in Switzerland.
Although this looks like a storage bin, it is a house.  This is the back.


The sign below the chalet explains that these houses are built on rock supports, so slick that mice and rats can not get in. It also mentions his/her "little friend," a stuffed mouse leaning against the left post.


A newer chalet.  If you look at the figure in the center, the expression is like when I tell Dennis that we must do yard work.  Sorry, my handsome hubby!  Just kidding.




Some fascinating artwork above the door. Just for you Mary P. - a door to build a story on.


A tiny chalet


There are three flags atop this rock high up on the side of the mountains.  I assume that the flags have to do with climbers.




I was dying for a pizza, and this Parma Pizza looked interesting. It had tomato sauce, ham, almonds, burrata cheese, and fig jam. I was slightly disappointed.  I have gotten so spoiled with great food that merely good was a letdown. There was too much ham.  I managed to eat half of it, so it must not have been too bad.  If I keep eating the way I have been, I am going to be as big as a double-wide, double high.


A carved kitty on the balcony.


This was built in 1825.  Still standing.




These are the most vibrant flowers that I have ever seen.  Wow.


A last look at Zinal and my Hotel le Besso is the pale pink one on the left.

Tomorrow, I head to another high-up location with no luggage, so don't worry that you won't get a post tomorrow.

Good night and sleep tight.









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