I arrived at the Mountaineering Ireland Alpine meet camp site in Innertkirchen this evening, just behind a long overdue thunder storm. The last couple of days through Germany and Austria were humid, wet and far too warm. This was a welcome break. The atmosphere was perfect as I set up home for the next few weeks. The sun blasting through black ominous thunder clouds as they poured down the valleys allowing intimidating glimpses of snowy peeks and the adventure that lies ahead. The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is for further thunder showers. It's always interesting lying alone in your tent on the first night, listening as a storm approaches. Feverishly trying to remember back to your school physics classes and the bit about what conducts electricity and what doesn’t. Let’s hope I make it at least to the end of this update….!

Once settled I took an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. Stunning limestone cliffs tower over the campsite, literally running right down to the campsite and defiantly calling for exploration. Walkers will be glad to hear that there appears to be a substantial structure of walking paths around to the side leading to the top of this stunning rock face….and knowing the Swiss love for engineering, no doubt there is some mind-boggling lift or train system scaling the adjacent side. This will be a great area for the meet, definitely something for everyone. Of course this is my overall impression of Switzerland and its mountains. Built by God, conquered through nature and then put into a nice orderly and user friendly structure by the Swiss.

The campsite feels good; quiet, green and clean toilets (what more could we want). Most of the other guests appear to be from the Nederlands, currently enjoying a nice peaceful weekend with their families. No doubt things could be just a little different in a week's time. As I already mentioned previously, Innertkirchen itself is just a small village. A couple of simple restaurants, bank, PO and two small food shops (one which seems very excited to be stocking Kellogg's Corn Flakes, judging by their window display). It is also worth mentioning that if you are due to arrive here on Saturday afternoon, Switzerland like most European countries still holds on to weekend family values. If you miss buying your cornflakes by 4pm Saturday, it will be Monday morning befor your next chance. It should also be mentioned that if your tastes are a little more exotic and you tend towards Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes, it might be worth packing them out. What I mean is the local shops are not exactly supermarkets. Try swinging a cat…..both you and the cat will be in trouble (Swiss rules and regulations apparently).

However the good news is that I must take back what I said about Meiringen the nearest town (5km away). Not only does it have far more than a few shops, it has one with shopping trolleys. Meiringen is definitely more impressive than I had expected. A small sports shop, camera shop and at least ten Swiss army knife outlets. I even think I saw a sign for a night club!

Anyway at least you know that if the confines of the valley life become too much, civilisation lies over the next pass.

I am hearing the distant rumble of thunder so will finish off now and get this probable lightning conductor put away. I have an early start tomorrow to hopefully get out and explore some local high ground.

Below are a couple of last minute reminder tips for next week, if you plan to arrive in Innertkirchen on the Saturday afternoon.

Try and pick up a few essential food items before leaving any city (no local shop Sat 4pm – Mon 8am).

On arrival in Innertkirchen just look for the brown signs for Grund (little picture of tent), it is only 3 minutes walk from shop/restaurant area.

On arrival at Grund campsite please come looking for me so that I can help you get settled in and sorted. We are taking a section of the site specific for Mountaineering Ireland so look out for my green van (Scooby Doo) and MCI Banner (old style).

Try and change money before leaving any city (the Euro is mostly not accepted and then only at an “imaginative” exchange rate).

You will be expected to carry you passport at all time (by law), be courteous to elderly Swiss and always complement the waiter on the fine cut of his trousers.

If it all goes wrong and you are on your way to the deportation dock in the back of a police van, please give me a call and let me know. Tim – 00353 876772732

See you soon

Tim