August 29, 2017 - Hike up to the Seealpsee in the Appenzell region

My friend Urs told me about this great hike up to a mountain lake, and assured me it was not a difficult walk nor take too long from the parking lot area. He said we could walk up the road to the lake. This lake is called Seealpsee. It is also near another place called Ebenalp.

View along our drive between the town of Jona and the Seealpsee.

In the area of Nesslau-Krummenau we stop as we let the cows pass by. At the end of summer the cows are brought down from the mountaintops to stay in town for the winter. Even in late summer there could be snow at the tops of the mountains. It's usually a more elaborate "parade" of cows decorated with flowers, but this was a small group - still it is a special event.

For this occasion the farmers wear their traditional costumes. 

Leslie, ready to head up the road to the Seealpsee. 

What we didn't expect was to arrive later then planned. It was just after noon and the sun was hot hot! About 85 degrees! This made the hike difficult - for me at least. It looks flat here, but it got VERY steep! 

Again, although it looks flat, most of the hike was so steep that people coming down on the asphalt part were zig zagging so as not to slip. I really didn't take any pictures in those areas. It was so difficult for me that Leslie had to carry her backpack and mine! She was my sherpa! We are past the steep area in this picture and finally arriving at the lake. 

Almost to the lake. Took us 1 1/2 hours to climb. I thought my friend Urs told me it would be about 30-45 minutes! But then, he hiked in cool weather, not 85 degrees and sunny! 

Almost there! 

Yeah! we made it! 

First thing we did was sit down by the lake and enjoy our packed lunch. We were hungry and thirsty!

We hike around the lake to the farm on the other side. On top of the triangle peak to the right of the slanted peak, there is a restaurant. This mountain is called Santis. 

Now we are on the other side of the lake looking back from where we arrived. 

We stop at the farm for some "milkshakes". Fresh squeezed cow's milk with added strawberry or chocolate. 

After our milkshakes I asked to use the bathroom. Sure, she said - just over in the barn. It was a wooden hole, no door for privacy. No thanks! 

Enjoying the goats while we hike back along the other side of the lake. 

Time for a little rest and testing of the lake water. COLD of course!

As we follow the path we realize that we are on another route back down. Well, of course, as there is always a river flowing down the mountain. We are told to follow the path and it will lead us back to the parking lot. 

A stupendous view back down to the lake. This hike is also strenuous, as we need to climb up over a ridge and then finally down. But much more interesting than the steep, asphalt!!

I zoom in here to a place called Ebenalp. You can see there is a restaurant at the base of the cliff. To reach it, there is a mountain path that is cut out from that right side of the cliff. 

You can see the path carved out of the cliff. I've got to do that hike someday!!

You can see how much higher we have already climbed from the lake - and this is part of our descent!

Our route becomes more of a mountain path - this is the type of hiking I like! Much more interesting. 

Checking out our direction signs. We will be heading down to the valley. 

Fortunately there was a long part of the trail through heavy woods, which gave us some cool shade. It was still sweltering hot in the sun! 

And this path had some benches - yeah! Let's rest! Before returning to Jona, we stopped also at the restaurant at the beginning of the trail for a well-deserved glass of Panache - beer with sparkling Italian lemon water.