Aare

But yeah, just know that you may have to pay for the reserve just like we did on the first train up when we went to Jungfrau.

So from here we went to Aare Gorge, which is this gorgeous little narrow river gorge that is carved by the icy blue waters running off of this river, and you are on an elevated walkway built into a rock wall.

There are some tunnels too, so that when you come back you're not having to do the rock wall the whole time, but it was really, really pretty.

Kim, I know you said that you guys are gonna go here-

Yes

... to Aare Gorge.

I think you're really gonna like it.

Took us about an hour and a half to go through it.

Lake Thun, the Riviera of Switzerland, with lovely vistas of green meadows, chateau-dotted hillsides, and distant snowy summits, all breathing such mildness and serenity as befitted the former abode of the holy hermit of St. Beatenberg.

And doubtless he will seek out some tree-embowered path that winds along the Aare, and there indulge in contemplative thought of this glittering blue link between the lakes.

Nor could he do better, for this arrogant stream is an illustrious instance of a reformed rake, of evil repute for riotous cascade and brawling torrent all the way up to its home by the Grimsel Pass.

It responds to the touch of civilization at Interlaken, and meekly accepts the bondage of steam for the remainder of its career.

What a gratifying example of reform it presents as it proceeds demurely along from this scene of moral crisis, laughing thankful little towns, reporting conscientiously to the proper authorities at Bern, and, after an exhibition review sweep around the capital, flowing sweetly on to the Waldschut and modestly lying down its burden on the broad bosom of the Rhine.

The stranger will perceive that virtue has its rewards, with rivers as with humans, when he takes note of the extravagant petting and eulogy that has followed the repentance of the Aare at Interlaken, its adornment with promenades, gardens, and artistic bridges, and the choice of much excellent society, particularly at night, on the part of ruminating savants and romantic lovers of all ages.

Strolling along the river paths carpeted with sweet-scented pine needles, the delighted new arrival has only to lift his eyes to discover how picturesquely the little city lies in its bed of lush and fertile meadows.

It will seem to him like a great stage set for a mammoth spectacle, for background there is the black and flinty Harder, set with the grim rock face of the scowling Hardermannli, rugged in boulders and sheer cliffs and hiding its base in treacherous grassy slopes.

I must say I was at first somewhat jealous of the notice Miss Christopherson took in Richardson, but I soon saw that she merely patronised the raw lad, whom I think she rather despised than admired, though in kind good temper she sometimes brought him out.

Those walks and rides round Bern in the sight of the glorious snowy Alps or by the brawling Aare I never shall forget.

They are among the brightest parts of my life.

Several times I referred to my mysterious friend and deliverer, Pusilla, from whom I had not received any letter or communication since he had left for America.