This map (we really love these Swiss signposts and large photographable maps) only shows the 4,982′ downhill portion of today hike, which starts on the far right as Surenen Pass. It was 2,925′ getting up to that point and that didn’t include the two gondolas just to start the uphill. We avoided the 3 hours and 3,000′ prelude to today’s hike because it would have meant over 11 hours on the trail and 6,000 up with 5,000 down. As it was we racked up 14.25 miles and felt not a twinge of guilt. Our destination, Engelberg, is on the far left.

What amazed us was watching a farmer family of eight drive their herd of cows over the same pass we were ascending. They looked like ants when we first saw them crossing over the summit. We could hear the “ya oops” from more than a mile away.

Once we reached the pass we were surprised to see these two “downhill” mountain bikers coming up from the 5,000′ side. We’d only seen Swiss mountain bikers riding the gondolas up to ride their armored downhill rides. These guys actually had to work for it.

Here’ same couple more photos of Stanna checking Kev’s guide book on the iPhone to see how much further or where we should be watching for a course change.

Dinner in Engelberg was super by the way.