More pics of Seealpsee

Re: Just When We Think We've Seen It All OR Are We Crazy Or What - Friday July 9, 2010

Title: Just When We Think We've Seen It All OR Are We Crazy Or What - Friday July 9, 2010

In pondering what to do the last day here in Appenzell, we decided to check out the Seealpsee, a small lake we had seen from the top of Ebenalp several days ago. It looked like a small lake at the end of a small river below us and fairly easy to navigate. We drove to the end of the road at Wasserauen, parked the car and headed up the start path. The wegway sign said 40 min. to the hotel back there - couldn't be too bad. At first it was a slight uphill walk on pavement alondside the river but soon it turned into a steeper climb. After 40 minutes of a very, very steep climb that curved around rocky overhangs we could see no end in sight. We stopped very frequently to catch our breath. Other folks were coming down and still others were passing us and disappearing out of sight up around the corners so it couldn't be too bad. Climbing higher and higher for another 30 min. Along the way we had to stop for cows that were crossing the pathway searching for new grass on up higher. Occasionally we would see a little shack/barn across the valley on the other side or on up ahead. One little shack had a sign that said Ebenalp and up behind was a lift presumably for transporting supplies way up to where we had seen the little lake a few days previous. We finally came to a sign that said "Seealpsee 10 min." Shall we go on?? - a question asked many times as we resyed frequently. Sure Jean said, "We're this far and it would be a shame to turn back now". Finally we rounded a corner and the road levelled out to a beautiful blue lake, cows grazing all around and barns visible at the far end of the lake. It had taken us double the time stated on the little signs - must have been the time for athletes in perfect condition. After resting and numerous photo shots we started back down in about an hour. There was a path around the lake - it said 40 min. as well - maybe that was all their sign man could write - "40 min." - seems like we have seen it a lot since we have been here.

If that wasn't enough the trip back down was just as strenuous if not worse. On the way up, we would see people almost jogging on the way down - boy they must really be in shape so we thought we might try it. Turns out for a steep grade like that it does work better - just many fast little steps - arch your body forward - put your head down and just hope the bottom comes soon. Ever feel like your toes were coming right through your hiking boots/running shoes?? Probably another crazy trip we will never do again!!
We arrived back down at the base in about an hour - the sign at the top said again "Wasserauen 40 min." - we're getting closer to their target.
All that before lunch - now what do we do? One of the freebies on the Appenzeller card was a tour of the Stein Schaukaeserie or Stein Cheese factory so we took that in before heading home for an afternoon nap.