Hike up the Weissenstein Berg Blues: Tuesday, May 8th!

No two persons ever read the same book. -Edmund Wilson, critic (8 May 1895-1972)

Up at 7:05 am, about 20 minutes before my alarm was set to go off. Went downstairs to find Eveline, on the living room couch, reading the newspaper . She kindly showed me how to brew a cup of java on their nifty Heurig machina so, a few minutes later, a demi-tasse off tasty black in hand, I returned to my "office" to send messages and otherwise digitate. My gracious hosts will take me on a walk leading to:

The "Weissenstein, (1,395 m), a mountain of the Jura, located north of Solothurn, in the Swiss canton of Solothurn. The culminating point of the chain is distinguished by the name Röti. It is the easternmost summit above 1,300 metres in the Jura Mountains. Until the end of 2009 there was a chairlift (length: 2339 m) from Oberdorf to the spa hotel on the 1,284 metre-high summit near the Weissenstein Pass. It was replaced by a gondola lift at the end of 2014. The tunnel of the railway line Solothurn-Moutier from Oberdorf to Gänsbrunnen on the other side was opened in 1908. The gondola lift crosses the railway track in front of the tunnel portal at Oberdorf, which is the only setting of this kind in Switzerland. The pass road leading from the village of Oberdorf across the Weissenstein Pass (1279 m) to Gänsbrunnen is one of the steepest in Switzerland (22%)."

We won't leave until around 10:00 am so I'll have an hour or so to catch up on correspondence. 

We left Sonnenblick around 10:30 am and had a very pleasant drive, of an hour or so, towards the town of Solothurn, (Although he is now retired, this is where the engineering firm, Vanex, of which Heinz was a partner, is located.), not far from the chair lift to the top of Weissenstein. Differences of course, but much like going up Capilano to Grouse Mountain gondola. Phenomenal day and new lift has enclosed cars for four. Ride up allows stunning views of the valley floor below, the Aare, [The Aare is a tributary of the High Rhine and the longest river that both rises and ends entirely within Switzerland.], and the stunning peaks of the Alps to the west. Once at the top we spent some time on the observation deck, watching the paragliders taking off from the grassy slopes nearbye. The restaurant there was closed as entire building was under construction. 

Not fussed, in the least, by this, when went on a short walk, following a hard-pack trail for a kilometre or so, enjoying the sunshine and more glorious vistas. Stopped for a few minutes to sit on a bench, in the shade, and have a few sips of water from the bottles we'd bought in Solothurn earlier. Just down from the bench was a large wind chime one could run a metal tube against to play the chimes and Eveline played The William Tell Opera for me! Back to the lift to return to the base of the mountain and then into Solothurn. After leaving the car in a huge underground parkade we strolled the cobbled streets of the picturesque old town, stopping for a bite at a well-know restaurant, know for its wonderful pastries and desserts. I had a wonderful Panna cotta and want to send Paddy a snap of his Swiss competition. [He produced same dessert when I visited in Stanwick, a few weeks ago, now. 

One here was a little fancier, in terms of garnish, but his certainly was just as flavourful.] After our java and tasty food, [Only complaint I have is the fact that people are allowed to smoke outside restaurants and most people at the tables around us were puffing away!], we continued to explore, coming across The Steinmuseum, attached to a historic building in the middle of Solothurn's old town. Quite small, it occupies but one floor. Exhibits consist of baroque fountain pillars, large stone figures, from various eras, Roman grave and memorial stones. The tiny media room has a wonderful wall exhibit which shows a wide array of stone-working tools. Dusty would have loved it as it was somewhat larger version of the wood-working tools he had mounted on the loft balcony wall in the A-frame at Falcon. 

After that Eveline wanted to continue to the bank of the Aare and we spent a few minutes chatting there, on the river-wall, enjoying the water and more views of the town. She had noticed a wine store across the way and we stopped in. I wanted to buy a bottle or two for my stay with AMT/RR. Very good selection, mainly Spanish and Italian and I found a couple I wnated to try myself. back to the carpark, my guides pointing out various spots as they know the town quite well. Organizers were already setting up for the coming Writer's Festival which will be held over the weekend. Solothurn also hosts a Film Festival. What a wonderful setting for both.
 

Back towards Bern, stopping for a few minutes, to allow me snap pictures of the small apartment building where we had first stayed with Eveline and Heinz, in 1997. The owned the building and when they sold it they moved to Sonnenblick. Also took pictures of the house belonging to their neighbour, a farmer, who gave them bottles of Schnapps, [Dynamite!], which they shared on that visit. He died a number of years ago but the sons still work the land, [A huge tractor came by when I was taking pictures and Heinz told me it was the older brother!] and I took a shot of their cows in the field, between the apartment building and the family home. Area, like most places, has been much developed and so neighbourhood is not as open and bucolic as it was when we first visited.  

Back home I took a delicious hour-long nap and then a quick shower before another wonderful, wonderful meal, [lamb chops with mint sauce!], washed down by a phenomenal Spanish red, 2011, Clio, Jumilla, 15.5%. I told Heinz it reminded me of the Zin fruit bombs, (jam, jam, jam!], we came to love on our early wine-tasting holidays in California. An earlier night than past two evenings but a remarkable, remarkable end to a stupendous day.

Hi Patrice, Thank you for the update on your adventure!. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time despite possible set backs on bike maintenance / repair. I trust you got this all worked out and are happily peddling around some beautiful areas. 

Things are well here and had a fun weekend with Colleen on the motorcycle over to the island for a long overdue visit to Laurel and John and Carol and Bruno. Laurel is in Bowser and has a beautiful home on ½ acre lot in a quiet spot. Actually that would normally be the case I suppose but they had some guy trimming their hedge which is about 500 linear feet and took him all day with a two stroke trimmer. It was starting to drive us all nuts by Saturday evening at 5:30 and teeth were clenching but mercifully wrapped it up shortly before 6 p.m. Earlier Saturday we had a great ride before that with laurel on the back of John’s B.M.W. moto style 1200 c.c. and I with my old classic Suzuki ’73 gt 750. We made our way down through Qualicum which brought back memories of our ride when at Madrona manor and then over to Cathedral grove for a short walk to admire the forest. It was a gorgeous day and the scenery was amazing!, we had a stop at a trading post on the way back to Coombs where we had a very nice lunch followed by a stop in Qualicum town center for some beer and wine for dinner. Carol and Bruno came over and we had a nice time ( after hedge trimming ) out on John and Laurels deck.

Image: Erich Ferdinand

John manned the barbeque making scrumptious homemade burgers which were accompanied by two salads (rice and Greek) made by Carol and Bruno. Felt spoiled with the hospitality although we had reciprocated fairly generously by taking everyone out to dinner at Schooners pub in Deep bay on Friday night. Carol and Bruno had come to John and Laurel’s before we arrived and then we headed out to the pub after a drink and appies and after giving us a little time to get changed after the ride from the ferry... That was also a lot of fun and great to reconnect with everyone. I d think I had met Bruno once 25 years ago and so enjoyed getting to know him and found him to be interesting and fun.
 

Sunday morning we all headed down to Qualicum again for a waffle and fruit breakfast prepared by Carol and Bruno. Best waffles I have ever tasted and I had to ask Bruno for his recipe which I will attempt to replicate sometime soon. With the fresh fruit, maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream on top of mickey mouse imprinted waffles!. It was a very delicious meal and also great to see Carol and Bruno’s place which is in a fantastic location adjacent to walking trails in the forest to town and the beach. We took the time to walk a ways to a lookout over the beach and through the surrounding neighbourhood. Quite happy for them as they have set themselves up quite nicely and seem to be enjoying their life over there as they should.
 

We saddled up by 11:15 and started for the 1:00 ferry which with a few construction issues was a bit slow going. We wound up being within one minute of having to wait for the next ferry at 3:25!. Very fortunate indeed as the ferry was completely full already and we drove right to the front which of course is one of the great perks of travelling by motorcycle on the ferries. Had a pleasant trip back and went and saw my Mom at VGH who is recovering from a fall where she broke her leg a couple weeks ago, Don’t know if I had mentioned this but she fell backwards outside of the white spot in Kerrisdale . She was supposed to stay put while my sister got her walker out and her boyfriend Jeff was putting money in the meter. One could argue that my sister could have been keeping a better eye on the situation but is what it is and as Mom got out the griund was a bit uneven and she got off balance falling backwards and hitting her head as well. 

The ambulance arrived and things were not quite as bad as they could have been I suppose because my Mom was introducing the handsome ambulance attendants to her daughter and niece Andrea who was meeting them there along with her Mom ( my Mom’s sister Leslie Naylor who you will remember as the glamorous one running down the road from the car bearing down on her etc, in the old film you like so much!). When we got there she was in her wheel chair outside her room just observing what was going on but definitely out of it and confused. I guess our timing was bad as I expressed my concerns to my sister who said she was just fine yesterday. She should hopefully be back at the home she is living in within a few days and start to move around a bit. The surgery was extensive and they had to replace about 5 “ of her femur which according to the surgeon had exploded into bone dust!. He managed to piece everything else together and hopefully with time she will be able to actually walk again. I hope you have good weather over there and continue to have a great adventure, keep us posted, stay safe and we will talk soon. Cheers, Al Hi Motorcycle People! Terrific to hear from you and learn that you had such a wonderful time on Vancouver Island. [Thanks for the snaps of Wild West Show!] Brought back many fond memories of cycling past Bowser, Coombs and Qualicum Beach. Meals and food you describe sounded remarkable. Very sorry to hear about your Mom. Life never seems easy, does it. However, I did chuckle at your mention of my favourite Naramatian blockbuster! Stay well. Fondestos to you both, Davy Crockett and Biker Chick! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
[Chloe Alexis Dunn Windy Night Walk......#lakelife #happyplace #itsstilllightout — at Skaha Lake.]


Hi, Saw the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar today. Hi Colin and Jo-Anne! Trust you are both well. Enjoyed the snaps of Istanbul. Reminded me of the wondrrful time we spent there in 2003 with Elaine and Ted Keating. You might remember that he died this past February. How did your paper go, Jo-Anne? I assume you are back in Dunbar now. Cheers, Patrizzio!

But are you enjoying yourself? see you soon. Matt. Hi Glasgow! Trust you and Catherine are both well. Yes, I am enjoying myself, and immensely so! Kraków on May 26th so see you at the hotel on the 28th! Onward!! Stay well. Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio! Corina is also around. Would be great if we could meet up for lunch. Von meinem iPhone gesendet
 

Dear Friends.

To entice you on a musical & magical journey of exploration we are pleased to invite you and your family to Stroll through our picturesque Japanese Garden and be entertained by talented musicians

A Musical Japanese Stroll Garden

On:      Sunday May 20^th

From:   2p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2551 MacDonald Dr. West

Musicians:

International & World renowned Aaron Watson, multi-instrumentalist, in demand accompanist musician and teacher at the Conservatory of music has the ability to switch genres from guitar, clarinet, mandolin, accordion, flute & has performed with orchestras, specializing in Gypsy Jazz, Country, Punk, Indy Rock and Avant Garde groups. 

Aaron has performed extensively throughout Japan playing his distinctive “Shakuhachi Japanese Bamboo Flute” & he is passionate about creating beautiful tranquil, meditative music that will offer you soothing ancient images of Samurai and Geisha as you stroll along the Japanese Garden paths putting you in complete harmony with nature.   He will also delight you with his unique performance on his “Accordion Parisian Musette” a soulful accordion with a romantic French style of music that will remind you of the sounds of Old Paris. And

“Classically trained Violinist & Folk Fiddle” Brittany Iwanciwski teacher at the Conservatory of Music studied privately with the renowned Daniel Lapp & performed extensively with Fiddle ensemble, Folk Metal Band, Celtic duo & Bella Coola Music Festival. Her philosophy of creating beautiful tone with accurate intonation will mesmerize you with her ‘Old Time Fiddle’ and ‘Celtic Styles’ offering you a thoroughly vibrant performance. Brittany will also play a duet with Charlie Gannon on Guitar which will be a dazzling performance indeed.

                                                                                

And

Talented Flute player Norm Smookler neighbor, leadership consultant & former CEO for the Grand Tea Master of Japan has performed in many Japanese Gardens on his “Silver & Wooden Flutes” and is happy to perform in our Japanese Stroll Garden.  Norms focus, his passion is creating mindful, meditation music, beautiful, mesmerizing sounds that will reverberate providing fertile ground for gentle grace notes of calmness as you stroll along the pea gravel paths.

                                               

“This day has been created just for you”.

 

As you enter our mystical garden through massive wrought iron gates here your world will begin to change and you will discover its magic & great beauty an exquisite work of art that we have created on an acre of ancient forested majestic trees.

Stroll Gardens are pleasure gardens that date back centuries.  You will be at first overwhelmed with the profusion of color as rhododendrons and azaleas will  be ablaze with bright red, pinks & whites symbolizing their fragile and ephemeral beauty and chosen for their esthetic appeal.

 

When you first step onto large stepping stones you must begin to walk slowly and with purpose in order to observe the beauty around you of carefully composed landscapes mixed with different elements.  Stone, pebbles, river rocks representing serpentine rivers are used everywhere as stones are a symbol of the forces of nature that anchor the garden to the ground. Stepping stones will lead you to the entrance of our enchanted forest and beauty is all around you with magnificent Red Japanese Maples –Acer Palmatum Inabe Shidare, Crimson Queen, Acer Palmatum Waterfall, there are over 45 spectacular Japanese Maples in bloom that frame each garden creating a three dimensional painting.  

A canopy of over one hundred magnificent ancient trees sheltering shade plants are mesmerizing as you begin to walk along a maze of pea gravel paths edged with soft velvet green moss   The paths wind their way through beautiful garden beds of flowering rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese boxwood, hosta, sword ferns, sedge to name a few, all creatively placed that stimulate your senses.

 

There our rock gardens everywhere and in order to comprehend the beauty of a Japanese Garden one must understand the beauty of stones shaped by nature until you can feel, or keenly feel that stones have character, have tones and value until then the whole artistic meaning of a Japanese garden cannot be revealed to you.  As you continue to stroll along the paths you must always be mindful to stay on the path as you begin to sense the crunching of the stones beneath your feet. Ahead is a huge & expansive ridge of rock marked by a large Fuji lantern to guide you and a red bench for you to stop, reflect & admire the beautiful scenes and settings revealed. Paths lead to beds of flowering hellebores nestled in velvety moss & you will feel the wind rustling through beautiful Bamboo groves

 

The garden soon reveals that rocks, lanterns and bridges are symbols that tell a story and the path leads you to large stepping stones.   Along its sides of the path our huge hundred pound boulders on a dry rock river bed that is an expression of nature & a symbol of the sea.  These huge boulders support a magnificent sixteen foot Red Japanese Bridge that is totally in harmony with nature as Red represents a Life Force and the bridge is a metaphor, symbolizing when you cross the bridge you are crossing from “One World into the next, Paradise”.  The Fuji lantern at the foot of the bridge guides your journey and another magnificent Red Japanese Maple, ‘Acer Palmatum Inabe Shidare’ frames the picture. 
 

On this beautiful red bridge you must stand, pause, look out and reflect on a journey you have taken through our stroll garden that can arouse emotional instincts, feelings, for you have embarked on a walking meditation your immutable timeless bond with nature.

In my picturesque Japanese Stroll Garden my goal was to design & landscape a garden that exudes tranquility and beauty allowing you to experience a profound sense of peace, harmony and serenity. A place where our souls can find nourishment. How wonderful that we will all experience such pleasure with three very talented musicians to enhance that moment with glorious music.

“Wine Will be Served Along with Appetizers”.

Please bring your favorite finger food recipe which will be added to the

The Cornucopia of gourmet delights & appreciated by all!

My vibrant acrylic paintings of Red Oriental Poppies & Pandas will be displayed for your viewing.

To all the professional photographers do bring your cameras.

To Blue Skies Above! . Temp. Forecasted at 14 degrees and sunny

Looking forward to seeing you all out. Sunday May 20^th 2-4:30 P.M.

 

Warm Regards,

Love,

Jean, John, Benson & Tess

RRSP by Wed, May 16^th. Please let me know if you are bringing an appetizer

Hi Goils! Did you attend! Love, Dad!