DAY 60 - ALPNACH DORF to SACHSELN (Thursday 15 June)

Today's walk was so short, it was almost another rest day. We started by strolling down to the Wichelsee, a man-made lake that has been set aside as a nature reserve. We spent some time there looking at birds and trying to photograph dragonflies. 

We managed to photograph this dragonfly

And this one

We kept very still, trying to blend in with the scenery

And we managed to photograph a few more

We also managed to photograph a few birds (see bird collage below).

A well-camouflaged Australian long-distance walker lining up a bird photo

Long-distance Australian walkers keeping a low profile at the Wichelsee

Australian long-distance walkers witnessing a baby coot being fed by its parent

Australian long-distance walkers admiring some swans on the Wichelsee 

An Australian long-distance walker surreptitiously taking a photo of another Australian long-distance walker at the Wichelsee

We eventually left the birds and dragonflies of the Wichelsee behind us, and moved on to Sarnen. Here we replenished our footwear and chocolate supplies, and bought a few provisions for lunch. 

Moving on from Wichelsee to Sarnen 

Under a tunnel with familiar graffiti

We had to wait a couple of times for trains to pass. We are slow travellers, having a slow day, so we didn't mind

We saw some interesting sights on the way

Like two insects getting stuck in to a bush rose flower

And a green dragonfly

In Sarnen we replenished our drink supplies

And our footwear supplies

We headed for the lake (Sarnersee) to find an attractive bench in the shade for our lunch spot.  

The Sarnersee at Sarnen - should be a suitable bench here somewhere

Nice view, but a bit sunny 

There should be a good shady bench just around the corner

No, still in the sun, and the view of the car park's a bit ordinary

Maybe after we've negotiated these zigzags

The view's still good. Surely there'll be an attractive shady bench soon

Surely not too far away now

Maybe just around this bend?

Yes, this is the one - the perfect lunch spot.

After lunch, one of us dipped her toes in the water. Apparently it wasn't too cold. 

The Sarnersee at Sachseln. Apparently the water wasn't too cold. 

Two Australian long-distance walkers at the Sarnersee

We made our way to our accommodation in Sachseln and admired some of the sights. We then made our way back down to the lake for a spot of relaxation before a more arduous day's walk tomorrow. 

Some sights in Sachseln. Brother Klaus, a hermit who lived here several centuries ago, is a local celebrity

Australian long-distance walkers relaxing in the Sarnersee (apparently not too cold) ahead of a more arduous day's walking tomorrow

Day 60 - Birds 

Day 60 - Elevation Profile 

Day 60 - Route 

Day: 60

Distance: 12.59 km

Walking time: 2 hrs 54 mins

Elevation gain: 138 metres

Cumulative distance:  1,303.31

Switzerland distance: 224.51

Switzerland chocolate consumption: 17 blocks

Poem of the Day:

WICHELSEE NATURE RESERVE

Part 1: Gentle Rover

Treading softly, gentle rover

Breathing in the scents of clover

Swaying willow, branches bending

Lush green pillow, mindful mending

Swans feeding, feathers pop

Bubbles breaking water's top

Growing grasses, tall and taller

Water boatmen, small and smaller

Grasping ivy, reaching higher

Nature's harmony, lute and lyre

Part 2: Cute Coot

Mucky ducky, on the water

(Dad points out to doting daughter)

Bright kite in full flight

Pale snail on the trail

Thick tick makes me sick

Think quick, rapid flick

Spry dragonfly with the light eye

Cute coot with the white snoot