Descending the next morning. We took shelter from a storm in the Swiss Army cable-car hourse that night. Instead of pressing on with our original plans, we decide to descend on the most direct route. Beware, there are snow covered ponds on either side of me.

Memorial Day weekend, 1997: way too early in the season to try a hike across an alpine ridge, but we didn't know that. The plan was to park the car in Spiez, take the train to Lenk, and hike over the ridgeline near the Wildstrubel and come out on the south side of the ridge near Crans Montana, then catch a train back to the car. It didn't quite work out that way.

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Chris and Elizabeth Kerns > The path just outside of Lenk, Switzerland, a few blocks from the train station. I believe that is the north face of the Wildstrubel.

Chris and Elizabeth Kerns > Heading out (very late start) from the hut the 2nd morning. That is Brian in the black and Mike in the back.

Chris and Elizabeth Kerns > Heading up to the saddle.

Chris and Elizabeth Kerns > Descending the next morning. We took shelter from a storm in the Swiss Army cable-car hourse that night. Instead of pressing on with our original plans, we decide to descend on the most direct route. Beware, there are snow covered ponds on either side of me.

Chris and Elizabeth Kerns > Back down in the valley, all of us still alive. From left to right: Pat(?), Mike Kimsey, Brian Schoenbaechlor, me.

Descending the next morning. We took shelter from a storm in the Swiss Army cable-car hourse that night. Instead of pressing on with our original plans, we decide to descend on the most direct route. Beware, there are snow covered ponds on either side of me.