Via Suvarov: Altdorf to Muotathal
August 17 - 18 2013
The Hausmen Hikers made their first trip to the Via Suvorov this year, completing
Stages 5 and 6 over the weekend of 17 - 18 August 2013. Those taking part were
Andreas, Bruce P, Dan L, Joe (and Bailey), Peter N, Philippe, Steve and Norval.
The route selected was deliberately shorter than usual, at 24Km in total, with
10Km to Berggasthaus Biel, our overnight stop, on the first day and 14Km to our
destination of Muotathal the next.
The route was deliberately short as we had a rise on the first day of 1200m or
so with another 400 the next, followed by a descent of 1450m down to the valley
floor. Even with sticks, the knees know there's something going on!
We seem to be forming a habit of having a hearty lunch before really getting in
to our stride. This hike was no exception. Starting from Altdorf SBB we spent
the first hour or so getting to Bürglen, where we stopped to have a three
course lunch, including Rösti!
With some spectacular views behind us and the odd false alarm for our destination
we finally reached our spot for the night after about 3 3/4 hours - much
to everyone's relief, including Bailey's.
With a beautiful clear sky the next morning it was on with the sun block and
assembly for the optional group photo and mandatory grope of Bruce's Lederhosen.
Then it was onwards again. There is something disconcerting about a church
being placed right next to the ski lift, isn't there?
Remembering that we hadn't yet had any schnaps we all stopped at a
conveniently flat spot where this want was supplied. As ever, the spirit in
mind was made by Andreas' father. Being a bit concerned for our welfare,
he had not made it quite so strong this time but it tasted just as good as
always. This gave us all the boost we needed to conquer the final push to the
top.
Once at the top we were rewarded with some spectular sights across to the nearby
glaciers and the peaks off in the distance. A little closer to hand were the
Memorial to Count Suvarov and his men as well as a beautiful little chapel.
Reaching the top around 10h00 gave us a little bit of time to take in our
surroundings before finding the route, ever downwards, to lunch at Liplisbül
and our final destination of Muotathal (Hinterthal on the signpost).
With a short demonstration of the goats Human Herding skills, and a gentle
nudge in the right direction, we followed the trail and river down through
the valley, past some amazing examples of the pressures at one time exerted
on the layers of rock laid down over the past eons.
Some of us were wondering if the rock formations were really natural, or made
by "others"! (Particularly the one in the middle above, a close-up
of the right hand peak in the pictures either side of it.)
Finally low enough for other forms of life, there was a great selection of
fauna and flora to take in.
That and a drink (which we didn't want the
flies to get!
Having learnt our lesson from the day before we stuck to simple but tasty main
course a few beers and a coffee.
Most of us, anyway. There's always one
determined to buck the trend! His excuse - it had "Denmark" in the
name and it's all downhill from here!
At this point Bailey the dog showed a marked reluctance to leave. We soon
discovered why. There must have been 30 goats lying around in any shade they
could find and she was a bit scared of them - even the one playing "Hide
and Seek" and the other pretending to be a calf.
Bailey was in for another surprise a little later on, though I'm not sure
who was surprised more, when we came across this sty of a dozen or so little
pigs. At least the house was made of brick.
Just after this, and nearly at the bottom, we could then see how powerful
water can be. There were a series of pools and bore holes carved out of the
rock as the river continued on is endless journey to the valley below. Some of
the lads even had to test how cold and clean it was. There was confirmation
that the water was, indeed, very cold.
One more field to get through and we would be down the village of Muotathal, from
whence we were to get the bus to Schwyz and the train from there.
I think that pile full of cream was having the desired effect!
Sweet Dreams!
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