Day 5 Wartau, St. Gallen, Switzerland - Lake Walensee, the Most Spectacular View Ever!

Joan's View

Today, my expectations far exceeded what I ever dreamt for the first day! Leaving Zurich, and since we had 64 miles with a 2,075 ft climb along also with 90+ degree temperatures, my goal was foremost to get to our Airbnb in Warten, St. Galien, Switzerland. Much to my amazement, the ride was manageable (we only pushed the bike maybe 4 times), there was a nice breeze coming off of the lake, the views were out of this world spectacular, the climb was a slower ascent overall, and we ate at this delicious restaurant overlooking the lake.

Automatic mowers in the city of Zurich

Actually, that all happened later in the day. The day started before 7am when we left Zurich. We passed some automatic mowers in the city, sometimes called sheep (see picture) and rode almost 24 miles along Lake Zurich before we were out in the countryside. 

We stopped at one point so that I could get a picture of more cows with cowbells. I guess they are throughout Switzerland as well as in the mountains. When I turned around, Tony was fielding more questions about the bike. This guy even got a video of us riding so that he could show his wife.

More tinkling of cowbells

More questions about the bike

We rode along Linth river for a long time and smiled at the people floating in the water and hanging out along the banks. Supposedly, the water is so clean coming down from the mountains into the river that you can drink it. 

When we made it to the valley surrounding Lake Walensee, we both just absorbed the incredible beauty. Tony even steered wonky a few times because he was so busy looking. The lake has a bright blue/ green hue to it, probably turned a little Choice One green just for today. 

The view when we first saw the valley.

A break along the river with more questions

Just gorgeous!

Tony holding the bike after we stalled up a major incline so that I could get a picture

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Dining along Lake Walensee

As we got closer to our destination, and after quite a few U-turns because the route had tons of turns anyway, we stopped at a place along the river so that I could use a port-a-potty (the cleanest one I've ever been in, I might add). When I came out, Tony was in the river dousing himself with the super cool mountain water.

Tony cooling off in the Linth River

3 scoops atop of fruit to celebrate with Anne

We had some extra time before we our airbnb hostess could meet us at her house, so we stopped for ice cream and a beer for Tony. It's an extra big dish, Anne Morrow, and just like you celebrated with ice cream, we celebrated here for you finishing your radiation. 😄

Also, these guys in their cool little cars pulled in across the street to eat at the same restaurant.

Tony's Extras

This was the most beautiful bicycle ride I have ever been on including Wade and I's cross-country trip. Everywhere we looked there were the Alps, crystal clean lakes, and wonderful rivers. It was challenging at times, but the scenery made it worth it. We had people passing us on Canyon bicycles, just like Isaiah just bought. I would say there goes Isaiah again speeding by us. Yes, I am jealous of his new Canyon bicycle.

We did run into our first detour today and once again there was someone there to help us out. Joan got off the bicycle and studied the map since she can read German. 

When we were climbing the mountains, we did run into some tunnels on the bicycle path. Yes, they made tunnels for bicycles. You have to love it. On a hot, humid day like today it was welcoming how cool it was. 

     

                                                                               

We were watching some people blow up their raft to go down the river and they asked us where we were going. They said "That pass is tough. We are from Lake Tahoe and are used to the passes, Donner pass over the mountains is easier than the one you guys are going to do." That freaked me out, because I remembered how many times Wade and I needed to stop to get over that pass. This pass was tough, but mainly just steeper, and when riding up it was not possible, you had to push. Donner pass was longer and a steadier grade. Overall, a most beautiful ride that pictures will not due its justice.