Zuoz and Engadine

Strangely enough, since living in the wine barrel, I have somewhat ignored local walks, but with only a few hours free before the new team for camp 2 arrived, I did an old favourite walk above the golf course, from Zuoz to Le Punt. It is a great walk, partly in forest but also woth extensive views over the magnificent golf course, one of very few courses over 1700 metres above sea level in Europe. 

It was so good to see some old friends returning to camp 2. I really didn't know many teachers in camp 1. I realise that this will probably be the last time I see them face to face for some years, but I might try to get us all together online before the camps next year.

I learned from the first camp that I should not be around on the first day, so had lots of plans for the Sunday.

First, a dream came true as I enjoyed a fantastic breakfast buffet at Restaurant Hauser in St Moritz. It is super pricey, but as a special treat, well worth it. The beautifully presented food, the very personal and attentive service, along with marvelous jazz music from Bennies from Heaven, all made this a memorable occasion, and one I am looking forward to sharing with my wonderful friends Dennis and Marco. 

After nearly three hours of 'grazing', I was in need of exercise, so I set off to find a lake near Corviglia, which had been recommended to me. What a cute, but steep cog railway it is - consisting of two trains linked by a mid station. The views are extraordinary, but my eyes were on the lookout for marmots. It was just after midday as I went up, so there were only a few sitting guarding their burrows, but as I descended, there were lots out and about. They looked surprisingly fat and still seemed to have their thick winter coats.

As I left the station and started to head up the hill to the lake, I honestly wondered if I was unwell. My legs felt like lead blocks and I struggled to breathe well. When I came down, I realised just how high we were, 2500 metres, 800 more than Zuoz, so no wonder I had issues. Anyway, it was well worth the effort, and I am thrilled I did not give up.

Imagine missing a sight like this, certainly made even more impressive by the clouds casting their shadows on the mountains, contrasting so sharply with the unbelievable blue of the water. It was utterly breathtaking.

As I arrived the breeze eased to allow a stunning reflection for a short time. In both directions. 

I don't know how frequently I stopped to marvel at the amazing barren landscape. Then there was a little lake just beside it, and further down in the valley another,  Lej Alva - white lake.

Sadly, as can be seen on the little lake, the wind was picking up and a few menacing storm clouds were forming, so I had to leave this lovely place.

By the time I got down to the station, the clouds had dispersed, so it gave me more time to enjoy this view down the valley towards Zuoz.

Arriving in St Moritz, my legs were telling me to stop, but with the sunset concert at the Stazer See due to start in about 90 minutes, I convinced my tired limbs that I would regret it if I did not make this last effort to walk up a gentle path to the lake. Once again, I am so thrilled I did not give up.

What an evening it was. The atmosphere was stunning and the surrounding mountain slopes even more spectacular with the last rays of sun on them. 

Thousands of people arrived there, on foot, by bike and even in horse and carriage. Every flattish piece of grass was covered by blanket, and families and. friends of all ages were spellbound by the beauty of this wonderful venue, and eventually by the phenomenal music of British singer, James Morrison. What a perfect evening. 

I left a little early, fearing the masses on the train, but was still able to enjoy the music clearly from the other side of the lakr,

as the sun dropped behind the mountains.
I guess the moral of the day for me was definitely not to give up too easily, particularly when this may be the only time you will have such an experience. Exhausted, but super happy, I trudged back up the hill to the school.