traveltales: MT PILATUS

Sunday, May 12, 2013

MT PILATUS

One Steep Incline Ride

In 1869 the United States built a mountain railroad up Mt.Washington in New Hampshire. Some Swiss visited the US, learned and studied the engineering and then returned to Switzerland to build the first European mountain railroad at Mt. Rigi in 1881.

As we walked from the ferry pier to Mt.Pilatus railroad station our guide told us, “The cog railway up Mt.Pilatus was built in 1889 and with a 48% incline it is the world’s steepest. It took a year to build the approximately three mile railroad.”

It was an interesting ride---like going straight up the face of the mountain. The mountain got its name from the legend that Pilatus, a holy man, slayed a dragon that lived on the mountain.

We wandered out on a walkway to a viewing area, but we were completely fogged in by a heavy drizzle. It was disappointing to not be able to see the view, but it was still a thrill to be 7000’ above sea level. Even though we had no visibility, it was so quiet that we could hear the serenade of the tinkling cowbells in the alpine meadow below.

The hotel had packed each of us a picnic lunch that morning, but we didn’t want to eat in the mist or in the middle of the foyer, even though there were very few people about. Our guide knew everyone and his brother in the country, so he went into the restaurant on top of the mountain and talked the manager into letting us eat our lunch inside. We were the only people in the big room. Most of us ordered a cup of soup and a hot drink. We were especially careful to pick up all our mess and carry it off as we were grateful for their hospitality.

After lunch we headed down a well packed hiking trail in the mist, but it didn’t dampen our spirits any and I had to giggle at the sight of a couple people hiking while carrying an umbrella!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.