So, we are back to Mount Rigi. I promised Cows and Kids! At 8.30 a.m we went by car towards Seebodenalp. From Küssnacht a 7 km narrow and meandering road leading up to 1030 m where the starting point is for many walks. We entered the Panorama walk with stunning views over Vierwaldstättersee and the small villages of Küssnacht, Merlischachen and Luzern. An easy walk, but a hot one – 30 degrees C. Breathtaking views in the early morning light. We knew the Swiss to be pros on hiking and organizing walks, but we were still impressed by the standards of these, the informative signs and the facilities, Whenever a great view was offered, there were designed, wooden chairs or benches to rest upon.  Here some of the big moraine stones typical for the area. The stillness in the air and the soft sound of cowbells followed us around the mountain. Sometimes I wondered how they could walk those steep hills – sometimes they even ran down them.

Hiking school classes were not unusual, and sometimes they reminded me of fairytales like Snowwhite, or maybe stories about Hobbits? When we caught up with them they were playing happily while one of their leaders was making a fire and looking after their things. Happy schooldays!

Before the turning point around the mountain, we had a glimpse of ”the real deal” – what was to come on our next hike. There is always something special about those snowcapped mountain tops. On our way back we met several fellow travellers – and spoke for a while with them all…

Some of them more friendly and talkative than others…

These people were fixing the roof of the house – which is a weather station for measuring the air quality here. A friendly shake of the bell around this pretty lady’s neck, and we were ready to leave this lovely area. I bet she knew it was a farewell shake!

On our way down the mountain we stopped to buy freshly picked cherries – a real treat after this hot walk.

This nice young girl had done a good early morning job.