#WalkWithMe
We arrived at our hotel in Egerkingen, just early enough to explore the grounds, but late enough that we couldn't begin a grand adventure. The hotel promised a variety of hiking and biking trails and we were eager to explore the Alps, although it's doubtful that the rolling hills surrounding us were part of that fabled mountain chain. The trail began just outside of the hotel's restaurant patio, ducked under a trellis heavy with grapes, and wound its way up the little hill before heading straight into the forest.
Along the side of the trail we spotted an old wooden cross. It was etched with a biblical image and bore a placard with the number 13. The air was fresh with the greens of summer and the thick canopy absorbed most of the intense heat of the day. Our feet crunched along the smooth dirt path as we wandered further along the trail. Every quarter mile or so was another cross depicting a different stage of Jesus' journey of crucifixion, the numbers descending from 13 as if we were traveling backward through time, seeing his rebirth from end to beginning.
The numbered crosses dropped to one and we saw a shrine just a little further down the path. It was well tended, with fresh candles and live potted plants. This was no forgotten relic, but rather a ritual space, likely used for daily prayer, here on the hillside in Switzerland.
The air in front of the shrine felt still somehow, as if time itself were holding its breath right at the beginning of the crucifixion journey. The statue, posed in perpetual prayer, seems to be asking for peace, for understanding. After several moments in front of the shrine, we continued our our own journey.
Our trail continued down the side of the little mountain, sloping every so gently as it curved to reconnect with our hotel. Looking out across the valley we could see the fields in the foreground surrounding vast industrial buildings, warehouses connected by rails to the rest of the world. In the distance were more mountainous hills similar to our own, and barely visible above them, towering above them really, were the Swiss Alps. At such a great distance is is easy to recognize how massive they truly are. They dwarf everything near them, making me want to climb and explore every crag and peak. That experience, however, will have to wait for a different day. For now, it's time to head back to the hotel as night is beginning to fall.
As we make our way home for the evening, we pass by a small pasture full of inquisitive cows. Each one wears a bell around its neck, creating a soft background sound of gentle chimes punctuated with the lowing of the gentle creatures. We stop to provide head scratches and take one more moment to admire the Alps in the distance before turning in for the night.
Thanks for joining me on this little walk through the hills. Where are your favorite trails to hike? To get started on your own Switzerland adventure, find me at Travel Life Services.
Happy Travels!
Jennifer
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