Nature on my doorstep

Recently I was marveling at how the trees, hillsides and even mountain views have transformed around me, in what seems to have happened in a matter of days. We had lovely warm weather, then it got cold and rainy again....then more sunny days and another drop in temperatures to the point that it snowed the first weekend of May! Mother Nature sure keeps us on our toes.

Since arriving here in the Summer of 2017, we have experienced every season and taken full advantage of all that the Swiss landscape has to offer. However, I am continually surprised at the true natural beautyright here in little ol' Zug. I guess you could say I've tasted the Cherry Kool-Aid and I want more. When visitors arrive, I can't wait to show them the Aldstadt (with our cool clock tower), the lakefront and most proudly, Zugerberg. It is right outside my apartment, and though I initially cursed the hill we live on, now it is part and parcel of living where we do. It also offers us the opportunity to put on our hiking shoes and get moving. A vigorous ten minute climb to the Schönegg offers the possibility to take the Zugerbahn (perfect for visitors with limited mobility and stamina) or keep on climbing.

Going up along the trail by the funicular has to be my least favorite part of the ascent, but it eventually gets better. With so many Wanderwegs to choose from, it's hard to get bored. We've traipsed through cow fields, traversed small bridges and captured waterfalls on our hikes. Depending on the season, sometimes the weather is quite gray and foggy below, but the payoff is sunshine and clear vistas once we arrive on top. We've made a fire in the middle of a snowy evening and grilled on a sunny spring day. Recently we got rain, hail, snow and sun all in one morning (remember the first weekend of May?). One time some friends and I started up from the "Haenggelistieg" stairs from Loretto, passed the Sta Varena chapel and went through Allenwinde. It was windy, but the views of both the Zugersee and Aegerisee were worth it. And through all of these adventures, I take selfies...to capture the views, nature and moments. I only post a few, but it's really my thing.

After living for many years in one of the most populated cities in the world, full of humanity and buildings and cars and smog, I relish the calm tranquility that surrounds us here. One of our first ever summer hikes, we got a bit lost on the top, but then stumbled upon the Hintergeisboden restaurant, right in time for a cold beer and hearty schnitzel. The fact that there is never a lack of places to either enjoy a meal or cook your own astounds me. And let's not discount the fact that the wood is stacked neatly, the grills are good to go and there is not one speck of trash ever laying around. For the weary, there always seems to be a welcoming bench to take a rest (usually with a great view) or a small fountain with fresh water to drink on the way. And this is just here on Zugerberg. Multiply that by thousands, and it is no wonder that Switzerland is world-renowned for its nature, cleanliness and hospitality.

Some mornings I only have a short amount of time to get in some exercise. My favorite route is to go up the hill to get sweeping views of Rigi, the lake, Pilatus in the distance and a lovely farm below. I enjoy the familiarity and also the subtle changes that take place on each of my walks, especially when I go through the farm. Maybe the florist is arranging flowers, or the gentleman with the blue Vespa is practicing his saxophone inside. I snap photos of the huge Wisteria covering the side of the barn with it's blanket of lavender blooms. I hope I will catch a glimpse of the baby goats as I approach the Hofladen Brochli, but sometimes only get to see the hens. Then I decide to walk down and back by the lake or go on towards Oberwil and up through the woods there. Though it is not a strenuous hike, it makes me feel better, no matter the weather. I will definitely continue to go out and play in our backyard when I have the chance, there are still so many routes to explore. If you and I happen to cross paths, stop and say hello. We can take a selfie together!