We caught an early train to Levanto where we re-united with our bus for the drive to Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley: the forecast for today is snow in the Alps.  It was a scenic drive through the beautiful lake country of  northern Italy and then into Switzerland where we had a late lunch stop.  I grabbed a quick bite to eat, but spent most of the time just walking the pathway around the large playground - have to get in some exercise on a bus day like today.

 

We got a peek at the Alps before entering the almost 10 mile long San Gottardo tunnel through the Alps.  It was sunny with blue skies when we went in the tunnel, and mostly cloudy when we came out. Before long, we seemed to be up in the clouds with snow on both sides of the road.  At the Sustenpass Hospiz, we had a short break and, of course, there had to be a friendly snowball fight.

 

Peter drove us safely down the winding road, and into the little mountain village of Stechelberg.  This was the one hotel where we shared baths down the hall.  However, since there were two baths on each floor - as well as a sink and mirror in the room -  I never had to wait and sharing was not a problem.

 

The hotel welcomed us with a fondue demonstration, which was a tasty starter for the roast pork dinner that followed.  We finished the meal with a heavenly caramel flan and lots of talk about our options for the next day.  I'm hoping for an early ride up to the Schilthorn, but the weather is looking kind of 'iffy' tonight.