Day 2 – Mels to Weisstannen

8.3 miles  2118′ ascent, 52′ descent

Low lying clouds gave way to sunshine just as we finished breakfast.  Our route took us immediately uphill crossing the River Seez.  St. Martin was the first village that we came upon as we walked up a very steep hill.  From here we could look down to the valley below to Liechtenstein.  The trail then follows an old mule trail that goes straight up the mountain. Eventually we crested the top and the Weisstannen Valley started to come into view.

By now we were always looking for the trail sign that we would follow most of the way across Switzerland, the Via Alpina 1

Presently the valley was in full view and quite pastoral.  At the village of Schwendi we spied a drinking fountain which was refreshing and the perfect spot for a snack.

We walked a wooded river path into the village of Weisstannen.  Weisstannen was the perfect alpine village with window boxes full of flowers on every house.

Our B&B was closed (as was the town) and the expected little note was on the door waiting for us.  Unable to contact our host, we decided to walk around the town.  We noticed a woman working in her garden.  We asked her if she knew the inn keepers. She ran next door to get her sister in law who spoke English.  Margaret, the sister in law, was charming and very hospitable.  She said she would contact our hosts and asked if we would like to join her in her garden for some tea!  We spent a lovely hour with her as she told us about her beautiful home. where she was raised before marrying and moving to the UK.  She now divided her time between the two countries.

Upon check in we were given a huge heavy key to our room; I guess they don’t want anyone walking off with their keys! Once checked into our B&B we did some more exploring and then met four fellow American hikers that we would hike with for several days: Ken, Peter, Charles and Susan.