Are we having fun yet? Yes, I think we are!

Today started out damp and dreary.  By the time we left the chalet it was raining steadily, and we were  discouraged about the possibilities for the day.

 However, we took the lift and train up to the village of Murren where it was not only raining, but about 46-degrees and fairly unpleasant.  After watching the cold rain for a few minutes, we wisely decided to abort the plans for the day and head in another direction...but not before we took a group photo on the train.

At this point we took the train to Thun.  Once there we visited the Thun Schloss (castle) where the gang posed for a group photo with the castle in the background.  

The castle was originally built in 1190, but was never used as a home for anyone.  It was used as a dungeon, and to protect the town from invaders.  We enjoyed touring it and exploring it inside and out.

After lunch we decided to return to the Murren area, and the weather was somewhat improved.  On the train up we met a nice couple from New York.  He had been retired from the FDNY for 22 years, except for the time he was called back into service to do counseling for the firemen after 9/11.  We visited with them and even exchanged email addresses before parting.

Once in Murren, we took turns posing for photos.

 We also watched paragliders take death-defying leaps off of the thousand-foot cliffs.

From Murren we hiked down to the village of Gimmelwald, a tiny hamlet in the Alps in an unbelievable setting.  We went to the local hostel for dinner.  Eating at a hiker's hostel is a must-do when in the Alps, so we ordered pizza, and for dessert...chocolate fondu.  A good time was had by all!

We took the lift back down to the valley floor, and by 8:00 we were back at the chalet for the night.  We are tired, but the weather for tomorrow promises to be even better, and we have things to do and places to go.  We are so thankful to be here in this place with the people we are sharing the time with.  We have laughed so much that our sides hurt.  Wonderful memories!