Beautiful surprise

Another day in paradise. So yesterday we decided to just relax in the morning. After the 6 hour hike the previous day we were pretty tired and a bit sore. After a while reading and soaking in the sun we decided to hike up to a big waterfall with our new British friends. The hike was a but more uphill than expected but totally worth it. We walked up through the grassy hills and into a big pine forest. After traversing across the hill and swinging down and around a large rock, we were staring the waterfall In face. It was huge and showered down onto a bunch of flat rocks creating mini frigid world pools everywhere. We hiked down prepared with our swimsuits and plunged into the glacial cascade. We were instantly frozen, but some how extremely alive at the same time. With the waterfall to your back looking out through two huge vertical rocks that have been sliced by the water you can see the snow capped mountains beyond. It was unbelievable. After warming up in the sun a bit we headed back down for some dinner and spent the rest of the night chatting with new friends in the hostel. We made new friends with some people that arrived yesterday and I stayed up laughing at this crazy Australian named Kale for hours. Finally I was tired and headed to bed.

Today I woke up with the mission of going to the summit. After a good breakfast and convincing my new friend Rebecca to come with me we set out at 9:30 to get to the 2970 meter peak. We hiked through grassy fields, coniferous forests, a cow pasture where I literally pet a cow, and finally the last leg up a rock face. It was honestly one of the more difficult things I have done. We took a lot of breaks just to catch our breath as the air got thinner and thinner. After climbing up what seemed like an endless amount of loose rock we made it to the summit. We happened to also choose the same day as a huge triathlon where the participants first swim 3.2 meters then bike on road bikes for 120 meters, a mountain bike for 83 meters and then finally run a half marathon up to the top of the Shilthorn. It was insane. After taking a look in the James bond restaurant we headed back down to Gimmeleald.

As amazing as the hike was and all the views were, the best part about the hike was my companion. Rebecca is also a Christian and I really think it was Gods will that we were together today. We shared so much of our life struggles and celebrations and it was so good and so refreshing. We encouraged each other in our walks with the Lord. It was so cool to have a woman to talk to that I have so much in common with and do something so epic together. After nine hours of walking, a milk shake made from milk strait out of the cows utter, and unforgettable views, I know that we will have a unique bond and I really hope that we keep in touch. I am so great full that God decided to bless me with such a wonderful new friend today and I really am having the time of my life. After some stir fry and a much needed shower here I am drinking my tea and taking in my last views of the alps. Tomorrow we head to Italy, and as excited as I am, Gimmelwald will definitely hold a special place in my heart.

Standing in awe of this adventure God is leading me on,

Sigourney