Killer Ants on the Alps

These little beasties take no prisoners! Jaws like vice grips and enough team work amongst the ranks to make any management outfit run for cover. Whats more they survive winters in the Swiss Alps buried in three foot of snow at an altitude of over a kilometer and a half - bone tingling or should that be abdomen bracing! Their homes were hills that seemed to crawl and migrate as workers moved, lifted, shifted and placed bits of wood, food and even you if you got too close.
So what were we doing up the Alps anyway, apart from checking out the local ant popluation? Lets take it back a step then. Our five fab days in Switzerland began rather dissappointingly with a delay from Manchester to Basel which meant a missed train connection from Basel to Schwyz. We finally met up with Karl and Malu who rescued us from Zug - thanks guys! Our visit to Switzerland was made all the better with the kind hospitality of both Karl and Malu who gave us all the hints tips and information making it a truely memorable time. A day spent up the Alps surrounded by peaks nestled amongst the clouds with views to the valleys below, not to mention the rolling 'sound of music' hills...........I can hear you sing it!The chair lift or cable car or gondola, what ever you feel like calling it - up the Alps was not for the faint of heart or weak of bow - steep and speedy was the order of the day.The lift module was a not so generous 4 seater, max load 350kg and any baggage had to be placed on the exterior ledge. On arrival at the top, a climb of nearly 1.5km which took only less than 10 mins we were greeted with spectacular views from what could be described as a very well hidden getaway for 'those in the know'. Small cottages were scattered on the hills which could be rented for small breaks. A nice idea. A perfect location.

Staying in the valley of the renowned Swiss Army Knife we were treated to some astounding views, and that was just from the balcony of Karl and Malus pad. Superb.
The other thing about the fine views of the mountain ranges was how well kept the foothills are, upon questioning this I was informed that yes they do keep very well the grassed areas surrounding the houses and trees, so well in fact that I kept having to double take as each area looked akin to a golf course, its probably just me! For a few more views check out the album below. Dunke schon, bis bald und gute nacht!

Swiss Alps