Feeling very relaxed here in Spiez, Switzerland. We’ve done our usual nesting thing – nice to sit for a while when you get to a new house sit. This was helped by some warm weather – low to mid 30s C – and high humidity. Made staying inside during the day that much easier. Also getting to know Nero – our very shy and very black house sit cat. He seems very comfortable with us now. Being the ones with the food always helps!
Spiez sits right on the southern edge of Lake Thun and has a little harbour and marina. We remember it well from our ferry ride on the lake in 2009 – mainly because of the vineyards sitting just above the marina. Strange that we would be back living here – even if only briefly. There is only a narrow strip of flat land around the harbour and along the edge of the lake so Spiez rises quickly and steeply. We have lovely views from the front rooms of the house and side terrace. Our bedroom is at the front with lots of windows. Also has a little balcony to sit on and take everything in – no need to say more! I have taken many photos but it’s impossible to get the angle of the hill and the colour of the lake – although that seems to change consistently with the weather and the time of day.
The house is lovely – completely renovated by Remo and Christina over the last few years. The gardens are well established – the veggie patch very productive. At the moment we are enjoying yellow beans, lettuce and cucumbers. Also picking lots of fresh basil – yum! We’re also using the terrace heaps on the warmer evenings – just a few nibbles and a glass of wine. Our house sit car is a XJ 8 Jaguar. Remo and Christina have 3 Jaguars – definitely their car of choice! We took it for a run yesterday around Lake Thun – like riding in a limousine! Always interesting driving a different car in a new area but all went well. Roadworks in the city of Thun presented some challenges for our Tom-Tom but we just followed everyone else on the detour – not a lot of signs and we couldn’t read them anyway. After a quick visit to the Thun city centre – not exactly planned but on the detour route – we arrived on the northern side of the lake and continued on our way!
Our first port of call was Hilterfingen – lovely little bay with beautiful views, mountains in the distance. Very cute marina tucked around the corner, close to the shore. We drove on, following the lake for a while, then turning up into the hills. Drove through the village of Sigriswil, then more climbing towards Heiligenschwendi – amazing views back over the lake as we drove along. Lots of steep green hills – traditional houses dotted around. Then a lovely forest area – really enjoyed dipping and winding our way along the narrow road – no views but a canopy of green. Next it was back down the mountain again to Hilterfinger – a lovely little loop. We continued along the lake – the road a times just a couple of meters from its edge. Our next stop was at a little picnic area on the curve of the road – more beautiful views. We seemed to be able to see Spiez from just about everywhere – must be the way the lake curves. We then climbed – no room for a road on the lake edge – drove through some little tunnels carved through the cliff-face and then back down to the lake again. More villages, more little inlets and marinas. Then onto Interlaken and home. A great day out and a real chance to get to know the area. For risk of repeating myself – it’s very beautiful!
Much love
Di and Reg xx
This entry was posted in Europe, House Sits, Spiez, Switzerland, Switzerland
September 1, 2016 . . . From Colorado
How wonderful to have the time to explore without checking the calendar to “move on to the next place”. On our first trip to Europe, we thought we had to see everything during those five weeks. We were in awe at each turn in the road. Anyone riding a bike with a loaf of bread in the basket was a treat to see. I can understand that every turn in the road gives you a photo opportunity as you venture out in the car or select paths to follow or sidewalks to stroll along in villages and towns. Judy Spinney
How true!!
Forget all that boring mountain and lakeside scenery: just enjoy that car!!
I’m not actually sure if it’s possible to ignore the scenery – we could try!
See you soon xx
Hi Di and Reg
What an amazing place, somewhere I have always wanted to visit, enjoy. Love there car, how blessed you are.
Hope you get to visit Switzerland one day Heather. We are really enjoying it. Yes feeling very blessed – beautiful scenery, very flash car! We seem to go from one extreme to another in lots of things. No car for months then a beautiful Jaguar. Very quiet times, then super busy. I guess it keeps things interesting. As you know I’ve never been one for a lot of structure!
Blessings and love to everyone at Manna. Still very much in our hearts xx