Today was a "Switzerland Bucket List Item" Day - seeing the Äscher Cliff Restaurant with my own eyes. Most people would recognize this image.
It was also extra special because our good friend Heidi accompanied us for the day. We had plans to meet her on the train on the way over (she lives much closer to the destination than our 3½ hour journey), but it was a little trickier than planned since our original train leaving Lucerne just after 7AM was cancelled... how is that possible in Switzerland? Anyway, we were only 30 minutes late.
Right off the train in Wasserauen, before even getting on the cable car up to Ebenalp, the views were incredible.
And from the top, the views down over the undulating hills of the Appenzeller region were breathtaking.
It was a little early when we arrived (11:15AM) so we wondered if the restaurant was even open for lunch, but it was and it was Raclette all around!
After lunch, we started off on the trek to the Äscher.
It was not easy!!!! I regret not taking more pictures of the trail, but all my concentration was focused on not tumbling down the mountain. Heidi, who is a seasoned hiker, was well equipped with her walking poles and I wished I had a pair too for increased stability. I really admire her tenacity - she's a testament to the fact that you just need to KEEP MOVING! Please God let me have her stamina when I am 80!
This part of the trail was easier because there was something to hold on to, so I finally stopped to take some pictures.
We made it to the Äscher in a little over 30 minutes and settled in on the terrasse for some boozy refreshments. I saw some Appenzeller Cream Liquor on the menu and my curiosity took over. It was quite tasty, but no more alcohol for me after this - I needed full control over my feet for the trek back to the cable car!
In order to breakup the long 3½ train ride back, I suggested a little visit through St Gallen on the way back. We visited St Gallen with Heidi back in 2011 and we remembered it fondly. We got there around 5PM and it was very nice to stroll through it again.
We weren't hungry enough for a large dinner, but on my list of Swiss Things to Eat, was a St Gallen Bratwurst (also know as an Olma Bratwurst) so since we were in St Gallen it seemed stupid to miss my chance.
We found a place that served JUST the sausage with no sides. Perfect! it was just enough. Believe it or not I didn't even have a glass of wine.
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