This entry is for you Strohl, we hate to think of you all alone and stranded in Italy. We apologize for the lapse in blog postings. Using the BlackBerry for such tasks proves fruitless and frustrating on such a small keyboard.We get back to Zurich tomorrow and we'll post a long update then. We are on the train to Nice coming back from boat, rather mega yacht, shopping in Monaco. I think we've narrowed it down to two or three we really like. Anyone want to lend us $100 Million with low interest?
Now get back to work.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ciao, Italy!
Spent yesterday in Venice and I think I will need to return in the winter or spring in order to enjoy it fully. We walked out of the train station and the whole square was filled with people (tourists like ourselves) and I couldn't even see the canal! We walked to St. Marks square, saw the pigeons and then hopped on a water bus. What we were expecting was a 30 minute tour of the canals and a return to the square. The ride lasted an hour and a half, as a safe and prudent estimate. We saw parts of Venice I am assuming most tourists don't- like the industrial district and cemetary. We finally returned to the stop, got off and headed back to the station to head out. My impression of Venice isn't one where I need to return there immediately, but I know that isn't giving it a fair go because of all the damn people. I'll go back, just not during the summer.
We spent last night with a friend of Jim's in Vicenza just an hour train ride from Venice. Now we are on the train to Paris to see Elodie, Jim's sister in law's niece and her boyfriend; and Bob Roll.
We spent last night with a friend of Jim's in Vicenza just an hour train ride from Venice. Now we are on the train to Paris to see Elodie, Jim's sister in law's niece and her boyfriend; and Bob Roll.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Greetings from Sunny Italy
For starters, please excuse any errors in spelling and what not in this post. I am using my BlackBerry instead of my laptop because we are traveling.
We just spent three days in Rome where we got lucky with the weather, it was only in the 90s instead of 110 as it had been right before we got there! We were so lucky in Rome because Jim's parents took us with them on their tour of the Vatican. They hired a private guide to take them and give them a tour. It was awesome. This woman was so knowledgeable about the art and history of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's basilica. The whole day was awe inspiring to say the very least. I can't remember the last time I learned so much. I will post the photos when we return to Zurich.
We went to Pompeii
yesterday and are spending two nights in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast. This has to be my favorite place in Italy. We are going to Venice tomorrow and then on to Paris to see the end of the Tour de France, the one demand I had when planning this trip. I am hoping to stalk Bob Roll around Paris so I can meet him. I figure I'll I find the Versus TV camp and wait.this has been a weird year watching the tour. We have seen coverage in french, German, Italian and Spanish but I have yet been lucky enough to see Bobke do his thing on American TV. Maybe I'll get my chance on Sunday.
Until later.
We just spent three days in Rome where we got lucky with the weather, it was only in the 90s instead of 110 as it had been right before we got there! We were so lucky in Rome because Jim's parents took us with them on their tour of the Vatican. They hired a private guide to take them and give them a tour. It was awesome. This woman was so knowledgeable about the art and history of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's basilica. The whole day was awe inspiring to say the very least. I can't remember the last time I learned so much. I will post the photos when we return to Zurich.
We went to Pompeii
yesterday and are spending two nights in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast. This has to be my favorite place in Italy. We are going to Venice tomorrow and then on to Paris to see the end of the Tour de France, the one demand I had when planning this trip. I am hoping to stalk Bob Roll around Paris so I can meet him. I figure I'll I find the Versus TV camp and wait.this has been a weird year watching the tour. We have seen coverage in french, German, Italian and Spanish but I have yet been lucky enough to see Bobke do his thing on American TV. Maybe I'll get my chance on Sunday.
Until later.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Schaffhausen- Swiss/German for 'nothing going on here'
Um. Yeah. There's a reason this town isn't suggested in any guidebooks. This was a total of four hours we'll never get back.
On the bright side though, we leave for Rome tonight. We are taking the night train and will arrive there around 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Because we are taking a train that leaves after 7 p.m. our Eurorail passes will be dated using tomorrow's date, giving us the entire day tomorrow to travel for free, too. We plan on getting in to Rome, then hoping on the train to Naples then to Pompeii for the day and return home that afternoon. We are there until the 21st, our plans are to then head to Bologna. The things I've heard about Bologna all seem to revolve around food as opposed to sights and history. My kind of town. We aren't sure if we'll stay one night or two there, play it by ear and wait to see if I find more than four places I need to eat at before we leave town.
From Bologna we will head to Venice and a town called Vicenza where a friend of Jim's lives. We plan on being in that area until Thursday morning when we take the first train back to Zurich, come to the apartment and change out the clothes in our small backpacks and head to Paris. I went to Paris when I was in college and just detested it, I am giving it a second chance. Jim's sister-in-law is from just south of Paris and her niece, Elodie, lives 15 minutes from Paris, she has promised me through emails lots of cheese and wine. I love her already. We will also be in Paris for the end of the Tour de France, something I am very excited for. I've followed the tour religiously since college and am finally getting to see some of it. I have to say this might be the highlight of the trip for me.
From here we aren't sure where we will go. We've talked about storming the beaches at Normandy ourselves and I'd like to see Provence, something I didn't get to do on my first trip to France. The best part of having the Eurorail passes is that we don't really have to plan much and can come and go when and where we please.
Look for an update on the 24th when we hit home base here in Zurich for a few hours before heading to Paris.
Ciao!
On the bright side though, we leave for Rome tonight. We are taking the night train and will arrive there around 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Because we are taking a train that leaves after 7 p.m. our Eurorail passes will be dated using tomorrow's date, giving us the entire day tomorrow to travel for free, too. We plan on getting in to Rome, then hoping on the train to Naples then to Pompeii for the day and return home that afternoon. We are there until the 21st, our plans are to then head to Bologna. The things I've heard about Bologna all seem to revolve around food as opposed to sights and history. My kind of town. We aren't sure if we'll stay one night or two there, play it by ear and wait to see if I find more than four places I need to eat at before we leave town.
From Bologna we will head to Venice and a town called Vicenza where a friend of Jim's lives. We plan on being in that area until Thursday morning when we take the first train back to Zurich, come to the apartment and change out the clothes in our small backpacks and head to Paris. I went to Paris when I was in college and just detested it, I am giving it a second chance. Jim's sister-in-law is from just south of Paris and her niece, Elodie, lives 15 minutes from Paris, she has promised me through emails lots of cheese and wine. I love her already. We will also be in Paris for the end of the Tour de France, something I am very excited for. I've followed the tour religiously since college and am finally getting to see some of it. I have to say this might be the highlight of the trip for me.
From here we aren't sure where we will go. We've talked about storming the beaches at Normandy ourselves and I'd like to see Provence, something I didn't get to do on my first trip to France. The best part of having the Eurorail passes is that we don't really have to plan much and can come and go when and where we please.
Look for an update on the 24th when we hit home base here in Zurich for a few hours before heading to Paris.
Ciao!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Who wants to go to Kona anyway?
Well, the race is over and it did not go the way I had planned. Although I followed my plans, race and nutrition, I did not have the race I was hoping for. I missed my goal times in the water, the bike, and the run. That being said, I set a PR for my overall time and there was A LOT of
adversity for me to overcome.
When we awoke at 4:00, there was the all too familiar sound of rain pounding on the window...not a good sign, apparently the weather forecasters in Europe are much more on top of their game than the Portland, Oregon folks. I ate my wonderful plate of spaghetti which is my new favorite pre-workout meal. However, I think I should try a different sauce, since the tomato sauce kind of came up a little during the swim.
The swim was a deep water start with about 2,200 of my closest friends all speaking different languages. It was without a doubt the cleanest, easiest swim start in my experience. I did the first lap in about 28 minutes which was just about where I wanted to be, since now that I was warm, I might be able to get it down to a 27 minute lap. Well, that was the plan, but that is where it all started to unravel. As I dove back in the water, my goggles got a little messed up and a little bit of water got in my right eye. This only irritated my cyst on my eyelid, so now my eyelid was actually rubbing on the inside of my goggle, not a big deal, just VERY annoying. At about the first buoy the wheels started coming off. People started passing me left and right, I had to do something. The next person who passed me, I jumped in right behind him and drafted my way to the finish line. While swimming the only thought going through my head was this dude is nowhere near the swimmer I am, but today he sure is much better. I finished with a fairly respectful time of 1:00:01 (a personal PR, but I was shooting for a 55:00).
Now on to the bike. All I have to say is that the Europeans sure know how to ride bikes...holy crap are they FAST. I went out with the plan of eating bananas, taking one water and one Power Bar drink at each aid station...easily done. I also went out planning on cruising at 22-24 MPH knowing that is a good pace for me that I can hold for hours without too much complaining. As I was going at my pace, rider after rider flew past me like I was standing still. Unlike the old Jim, I let them go with the mantra of ride your race, and they will come back on the run. I had heard of the hill known as The Beast and it sounds scary, but it really did not have any teeth. Again, unlike the old Jim, I just put it in a fairly easy gear and made my way to the top...I did not attack the hill at all. Then came the hill that I had not put any thought into what so ever. They call it "Heartbreak Hill." Holy crap, is that aptly named. It is a hill that climbs 85 meters in about 1/2 km. What does that equate to, steeper than CRAP. According to my dad, it is about a 20% grade. First lap of the bike is now over, and I am feeling good, other than being freezing cold...I could not feel any of my fingers or my toes...I am so glad I spent way too much money on a jacket for the race. First lap was completed in about 2:45...right on pace. Then, just like the swim, the wheels started to come off on the second lap. I started slowing down on the ups and maybe even a little on the flats...carrying a 21-23 MPH pace. I also had to pee...a first in my Ironman career. I could not go on the bike, so I had to get off and use a bush. I pushed and pushed and noting but PAIN would come out. Finally some pee came, but with a ton of pain (little did I know, but this was a BAD sign for later in the race). As I approached the hills on the bike, for the first time since I have been riding, I was not excited about going up, I just wanted off the bike. The second time up Heartbreak Hill was AWESOME the crowd was at least five people deep, screaming, ringing bells, banging drums, etc., etc., etc. There was about five feet of clearance to ride your bike between the fans. They would stand in your way and move right at the last second...picture the Alpe d'Huez climb in the Tour de France...the greatest experience I have ever had on a hill climb. Remember, it was very cold and raining, otherwise there would have been many more people up there. After 5:51:54 I was finally off my bike and on to the run course. I had very LOW expectations, since the last bit of my bike was such a struggle.
I put on my running shoes and to my surprise, my legs felt GREAT. On the first lap, I ran about 8:34s and felt awesome. Everything was going great with a first lap of about 53 minutes, and my legs feeling great, I was starting to believe that I would be able to run a 4 hour marathon...a great accomplishment for me. Keeping about the same pace on lap two and still feeling great, I knew that the 4 hour mark was mine. Around mile 10 I really started having some weird pains in my back and bladder area. I peeled off to pee in the trees. The horrible pain I talked about on the bike came back, but MUCH worse. Finally as the pee came, it did not look right. Last time it was clear, this time, it looked like diluted cherry Kool-Aid. About a 1/2 mile later, I saw Heather. I asked her to call my dad and see what it means if there is blood in your pee. She called him and the directions from my personal doctor were to STOP...it is not worth it. I decided I would not quit, but I would just walk the rest. At the second turnaround, I saw my parents, and I don't remember ever seeing such concern on their faces. I told them that I did not fly over here not to finish and I told them I would walk. Well, that lasted a few minutes, until I started doing the math in my head. I figured if walked fast--(I was walking at a 12 minute mile--not fast, but for those of you who have ever walked with me, you know that is about twice as fast as my normal pace) until 2:45 of the marathon, and I am about to run 8:30s from there on out, I might still be able to get that illustrious 4 hour marathon. Well, the pain in my kidneys was too much for me to handle at that fast of a pace, so I settled for a slower pace and I walked through every aid station and drank water to try and flush out my bloody kidneys.
I did finish the race with a 4:38:44 marathon and an overall time of 11:37:19, both of those being PRs. Although I am incredible proud of myself for the race I ran under the conditions, it only makes me hungrier for more...does anyone want to take a road trip up to Penticton, Canada for the 2009 edition?
Thanks to everyone who was cheering me on, and I am sorry I did not give you all a great excuse to go to Kona, but like I said, these Europeans are FAST, so even if I had the race of my life, I probably would not have made it. I can't wait to see you all in August.
Jim
adversity for me to overcome.
When we awoke at 4:00, there was the all too familiar sound of rain pounding on the window...not a good sign, apparently the weather forecasters in Europe are much more on top of their game than the Portland, Oregon folks. I ate my wonderful plate of spaghetti which is my new favorite pre-workout meal. However, I think I should try a different sauce, since the tomato sauce kind of came up a little during the swim.
The swim was a deep water start with about 2,200 of my closest friends all speaking different languages. It was without a doubt the cleanest, easiest swim start in my experience. I did the first lap in about 28 minutes which was just about where I wanted to be, since now that I was warm, I might be able to get it down to a 27 minute lap. Well, that was the plan, but that is where it all started to unravel. As I dove back in the water, my goggles got a little messed up and a little bit of water got in my right eye. This only irritated my cyst on my eyelid, so now my eyelid was actually rubbing on the inside of my goggle, not a big deal, just VERY annoying. At about the first buoy the wheels started coming off. People started passing me left and right, I had to do something. The next person who passed me, I jumped in right behind him and drafted my way to the finish line. While swimming the only thought going through my head was this dude is nowhere near the swimmer I am, but today he sure is much better. I finished with a fairly respectful time of 1:00:01 (a personal PR, but I was shooting for a 55:00).
Now on to the bike. All I have to say is that the Europeans sure know how to ride bikes...holy crap are they FAST. I went out with the plan of eating bananas, taking one water and one Power Bar drink at each aid station...easily done. I also went out planning on cruising at 22-24 MPH knowing that is a good pace for me that I can hold for hours without too much complaining. As I was going at my pace, rider after rider flew past me like I was standing still. Unlike the old Jim, I let them go with the mantra of ride your race, and they will come back on the run. I had heard of the hill known as The Beast and it sounds scary, but it really did not have any teeth. Again, unlike the old Jim, I just put it in a fairly easy gear and made my way to the top...I did not attack the hill at all. Then came the hill that I had not put any thought into what so ever. They call it "Heartbreak Hill." Holy crap, is that aptly named. It is a hill that climbs 85 meters in about 1/2 km. What does that equate to, steeper than CRAP. According to my dad, it is about a 20% grade. First lap of the bike is now over, and I am feeling good, other than being freezing cold...I could not feel any of my fingers or my toes...I am so glad I spent way too much money on a jacket for the race. First lap was completed in about 2:45...right on pace. Then, just like the swim, the wheels started to come off on the second lap. I started slowing down on the ups and maybe even a little on the flats...carrying a 21-23 MPH pace. I also had to pee...a first in my Ironman career. I could not go on the bike, so I had to get off and use a bush. I pushed and pushed and noting but PAIN would come out. Finally some pee came, but with a ton of pain (little did I know, but this was a BAD sign for later in the race). As I approached the hills on the bike, for the first time since I have been riding, I was not excited about going up, I just wanted off the bike. The second time up Heartbreak Hill was AWESOME the crowd was at least five people deep, screaming, ringing bells, banging drums, etc., etc., etc. There was about five feet of clearance to ride your bike between the fans. They would stand in your way and move right at the last second...picture the Alpe d'Huez climb in the Tour de France...the greatest experience I have ever had on a hill climb. Remember, it was very cold and raining, otherwise there would have been many more people up there. After 5:51:54 I was finally off my bike and on to the run course. I had very LOW expectations, since the last bit of my bike was such a struggle.
I put on my running shoes and to my surprise, my legs felt GREAT. On the first lap, I ran about 8:34s and felt awesome. Everything was going great with a first lap of about 53 minutes, and my legs feeling great, I was starting to believe that I would be able to run a 4 hour marathon...a great accomplishment for me. Keeping about the same pace on lap two and still feeling great, I knew that the 4 hour mark was mine. Around mile 10 I really started having some weird pains in my back and bladder area. I peeled off to pee in the trees. The horrible pain I talked about on the bike came back, but MUCH worse. Finally as the pee came, it did not look right. Last time it was clear, this time, it looked like diluted cherry Kool-Aid. About a 1/2 mile later, I saw Heather. I asked her to call my dad and see what it means if there is blood in your pee. She called him and the directions from my personal doctor were to STOP...it is not worth it. I decided I would not quit, but I would just walk the rest. At the second turnaround, I saw my parents, and I don't remember ever seeing such concern on their faces. I told them that I did not fly over here not to finish and I told them I would walk. Well, that lasted a few minutes, until I started doing the math in my head. I figured if walked fast--(I was walking at a 12 minute mile--not fast, but for those of you who have ever walked with me, you know that is about twice as fast as my normal pace) until 2:45 of the marathon, and I am about to run 8:30s from there on out, I might still be able to get that illustrious 4 hour marathon. Well, the pain in my kidneys was too much for me to handle at that fast of a pace, so I settled for a slower pace and I walked through every aid station and drank water to try and flush out my bloody kidneys.
I did finish the race with a 4:38:44 marathon and an overall time of 11:37:19, both of those being PRs. Although I am incredible proud of myself for the race I ran under the conditions, it only makes me hungrier for more...does anyone want to take a road trip up to Penticton, Canada for the 2009 edition?
Thanks to everyone who was cheering me on, and I am sorry I did not give you all a great excuse to go to Kona, but like I said, these Europeans are FAST, so even if I had the race of my life, I probably would not have made it. I can't wait to see you all in August.
Jim
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Insert Song About Rain Here ________
The forecast for tomorrow looks like rain. Not the best racing weather. The hope is the rain will hold out until the afternoon during the run, we'll see. It has rained all day today, it was pouring last night, and the skies don't look blue in any direction. Little do they know this gives Jim and advantage since he trained in all our liquid sunshine this spring and early summer, what there was of either of them.
We spent today looking for a rain jacket for the ride, we obviously didn't prepare for Portland weather in Europe. So far we've had only a few sunny days, most grey and overcast or raining. We found a jacket in town, hoping the purchase of it will bring out the sun tomorrow. For once please let bad luck shopping be on our side.
I'll have my Blackberry on me tomorrow so if you want to send any good luck messages for me to pass on to Jim prior to/during the race send them my way. If you are watching the race on Ironman.com look for the "Good Luck Jim" banner Paul made, it will be making its public debut tomorrow, I'll post a photo, too.
Remember to check Ironman.com tomorrow to track Jim's progress, bib number 1078, the race starts at 7 a.m. here, 10 p.m. at home.
Think good thoughts and send lots of luck.
We spent today looking for a rain jacket for the ride, we obviously didn't prepare for Portland weather in Europe. So far we've had only a few sunny days, most grey and overcast or raining. We found a jacket in town, hoping the purchase of it will bring out the sun tomorrow. For once please let bad luck shopping be on our side.
I'll have my Blackberry on me tomorrow so if you want to send any good luck messages for me to pass on to Jim prior to/during the race send them my way. If you are watching the race on Ironman.com look for the "Good Luck Jim" banner Paul made, it will be making its public debut tomorrow, I'll post a photo, too.
Remember to check Ironman.com tomorrow to track Jim's progress, bib number 1078, the race starts at 7 a.m. here, 10 p.m. at home.
Think good thoughts and send lots of luck.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Do You Know Anyone Going to Alp d'Huez?
We arrived in Zurich yesterday. We've decided we are getting a big sticker to put on the bike box that reads, "Contents: bikes/velos." This may cut down the number of stares we receive. I think people believe us to be wayward roadies from the Motely Crue reunion tour with that huge black box we are rolling around Switzerland.
I should have taken a photo yesterday as we left Luzern, it was the visual description of a zoo. Backpacks packed to the fullest and carry on luggage strapped to the bike box. Getting the box on and off the train from Luzern wasn't too big of a deal. The one we were worried most about was the trams in Zurich. Instead of being level with the curb there are three steep stairs one must climb to get on the trams. Without a bike box, piece of cake, obviously. With a bike box--a well planned and choreographed work about who goes in first, what happens if the person bringing up the rear doesn't get on the tram before it takes off, etc. We did manage it just fine in the end. Much to our, and a good portion of Zurich's, surprise.
Our flat is perfect. We have subleased it from a woman who is herself traveling this summer, so we have all the creature comforts of home instead of being held up in a hotel room. We can cook our own food, strew our junk around the place and have a place to keep all our things as we travel after the race.
We went to the start/finish line yesterday as they were beginning to put the finishing touches on all of the buildings and what not. Jim got checked in and received quite a nice bit of swag, as he said, "I'm registered so now I guess I have to do the race." We are about two miles or so from the start line so it isn't too bad of a location all in all.
The next few days are going to be spent trying to figure out how we can get to the town of Vaujany, France so we can do the Alp d'Huez triathlon at the end of the month (this also helps keep Jim's mind off the race a bit). Jim said he'd wear his Ironman finisher shirt so people didn't wonder why this guy on the P3 was going so slowly. He also mentioned this would be my one time to try and beat him since he won't be racing, rather finishing to get the shirt.
Jim's number is 1078 so you can check Ironman.com during the race if you have insomnia that night.
I should have taken a photo yesterday as we left Luzern, it was the visual description of a zoo. Backpacks packed to the fullest and carry on luggage strapped to the bike box. Getting the box on and off the train from Luzern wasn't too big of a deal. The one we were worried most about was the trams in Zurich. Instead of being level with the curb there are three steep stairs one must climb to get on the trams. Without a bike box, piece of cake, obviously. With a bike box--a well planned and choreographed work about who goes in first, what happens if the person bringing up the rear doesn't get on the tram before it takes off, etc. We did manage it just fine in the end. Much to our, and a good portion of Zurich's, surprise.
Our flat is perfect. We have subleased it from a woman who is herself traveling this summer, so we have all the creature comforts of home instead of being held up in a hotel room. We can cook our own food, strew our junk around the place and have a place to keep all our things as we travel after the race.
We went to the start/finish line yesterday as they were beginning to put the finishing touches on all of the buildings and what not. Jim got checked in and received quite a nice bit of swag, as he said, "I'm registered so now I guess I have to do the race." We are about two miles or so from the start line so it isn't too bad of a location all in all.
The next few days are going to be spent trying to figure out how we can get to the town of Vaujany, France so we can do the Alp d'Huez triathlon at the end of the month (this also helps keep Jim's mind off the race a bit). Jim said he'd wear his Ironman finisher shirt so people didn't wonder why this guy on the P3 was going so slowly. He also mentioned this would be my one time to try and beat him since he won't be racing, rather finishing to get the shirt.
Jim's number is 1078 so you can check Ironman.com during the race if you have insomnia that night.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Lego Train Track
On Sunday we got up early, around 5.30, as we seem to do every day on vacation, and decided to take the trip up to Mount Pilatus. Pilatus is the amazing backdrop to Luzern and we had two goals in going there: 1. To take the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, and 2. Ride the nearly mile long toboggan track at the midway point on the gondola line on the backside of the mountain. We got to do at least one of those planned items.
Because we got up early and made the 8:15 boat out of Luzern there were hardly any other people on board. The looming dark clouds in the distance probably kept a lot of people in bed, too. The boat left from Luzern and took 90 minutes to get to Alpnachstad where the cog wheel leaves from. It was at this point, where I saw how steep the mere beginning of the train ride was that I looked at Jim and asked whose stupid idea this was. He took the blame. I have a freakish fear of heights but was not willing to give up the adventure to my now churning stomach. So we board the train.
When the brochure reads the Mount Pilatus cog wheel train is the steepest in the world they aren't just blowing smoke. It isn't like the diner down the street claiming "the world's biggest hamburger," or "the world's best nachos." There are several points at which the train is chugging its noisy cogs up a 48% grade. The world's steepest cog wheel train. The photos on Flickr don' t do it justice since there is no way to get the full effect of what 48% feels like on a train track that appears to be built out of Legos.
Even on the noisy track and with the steep terrain, the sound of cowbells was always present. The cows, as you can see in a couple of photos, are herded up to the higher lands and left to graze all summer. The meadows they were in must have been at least a 38% grade, easier way of thinking about it: If their head was pointed up the mountain their ass was lower than their bell.
Once to the top it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. We were only 7,500 feet up, but it felt like the top of the world. There are legends that dragons live on the mountain and that Pontius Pilate is buried in one of its lakes. This legend gave way to me providing a quick, and possibly totally inaccurate, telling of who Pontius Pilate was to Jim. We spent an hour or so up top and watched the clouds begin to roll our way. In order to ride the toboggan we had to high-tail it down the other side on the gondola before the weather got too bad, the toboggan closes when it rains.
We lost that race. Something for another day.
Because we got up early and made the 8:15 boat out of Luzern there were hardly any other people on board. The looming dark clouds in the distance probably kept a lot of people in bed, too. The boat left from Luzern and took 90 minutes to get to Alpnachstad where the cog wheel leaves from. It was at this point, where I saw how steep the mere beginning of the train ride was that I looked at Jim and asked whose stupid idea this was. He took the blame. I have a freakish fear of heights but was not willing to give up the adventure to my now churning stomach. So we board the train.
When the brochure reads the Mount Pilatus cog wheel train is the steepest in the world they aren't just blowing smoke. It isn't like the diner down the street claiming "the world's biggest hamburger," or "the world's best nachos." There are several points at which the train is chugging its noisy cogs up a 48% grade. The world's steepest cog wheel train. The photos on Flickr don' t do it justice since there is no way to get the full effect of what 48% feels like on a train track that appears to be built out of Legos.
Even on the noisy track and with the steep terrain, the sound of cowbells was always present. The cows, as you can see in a couple of photos, are herded up to the higher lands and left to graze all summer. The meadows they were in must have been at least a 38% grade, easier way of thinking about it: If their head was pointed up the mountain their ass was lower than their bell.
Once to the top it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. We were only 7,500 feet up, but it felt like the top of the world. There are legends that dragons live on the mountain and that Pontius Pilate is buried in one of its lakes. This legend gave way to me providing a quick, and possibly totally inaccurate, telling of who Pontius Pilate was to Jim. We spent an hour or so up top and watched the clouds begin to roll our way. In order to ride the toboggan we had to high-tail it down the other side on the gondola before the weather got too bad, the toboggan closes when it rains.
We lost that race. Something for another day.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Alptitude
Sorry this has taken so long to get set up and going. Once we got here many things took precedence to typing and posting photos, ridding ourselves of jet lag for instance. It seems to have taken much longer than I remember to get my head right and on a normal sleep pattern, luckily Jim says he's having the same problem so I can't simply chalk it up to age.
The weather has been crazy, much like home by the sound of it. We've been here six days and have had rain for half of those days. When they get rain here it is accompanied by thunder and lightning so there is far more entertainment than the storms at home usually offer up. The other day we had a rain storm that had to have dumped over an inch of rain in one afternoon. We went for a stroll in old town and the Northwesterner in us must have been obvious as the other tourists ran for cover as we simply put on our hoods and kept walking. When we returned home the only part that remained dry was what our jackets covered--our shirts pretty much. At one point I took off my waterlogged shoes and socks and walked barefoot over the cobblestone streets. Then Jim reminded me of the conductive nature of water just as huge bolt of lightning flashed. The shoes went back on.
Jim is mid way through his taper phase with the race only one week from today. Needless to say he is getting a bit more nervous thinking that at this time next week he'll be starting his cool down...the marathon. On the sidebar I've placed a link to the Ironman Live website where you can keep updated of Jim's progress through the race. His bib number is 1078, we believe. The web site has a section titled Live Race Coverage and there are several options from there.
We just got back from Mount Pilatus, we'll post photos soon and maybe a recap of the day.
Tchuss!
The weather has been crazy, much like home by the sound of it. We've been here six days and have had rain for half of those days. When they get rain here it is accompanied by thunder and lightning so there is far more entertainment than the storms at home usually offer up. The other day we had a rain storm that had to have dumped over an inch of rain in one afternoon. We went for a stroll in old town and the Northwesterner in us must have been obvious as the other tourists ran for cover as we simply put on our hoods and kept walking. When we returned home the only part that remained dry was what our jackets covered--our shirts pretty much. At one point I took off my waterlogged shoes and socks and walked barefoot over the cobblestone streets. Then Jim reminded me of the conductive nature of water just as huge bolt of lightning flashed. The shoes went back on.
Jim is mid way through his taper phase with the race only one week from today. Needless to say he is getting a bit more nervous thinking that at this time next week he'll be starting his cool down...the marathon. On the sidebar I've placed a link to the Ironman Live website where you can keep updated of Jim's progress through the race. His bib number is 1078, we believe. The web site has a section titled Live Race Coverage and there are several options from there.
We just got back from Mount Pilatus, we'll post photos soon and maybe a recap of the day.
Tchuss!
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