Canoeing - A group headed out for a trip down the Aare river to Bern. Since wet rivers and digital cameras don't mix too well, we don't have any photos taken on the river.
The other group headed out for Zermatt, a lovely town with a view of the famous Matterhorn. We had a spectacular train ride to the village and walked around for several hours before returning to Kandersteg.
On the Glacier Express, heading up to Zermatt Beautiful downtown Zermatt -- no cars!
The Zermatt cemetery has quite a few residents that died climbing the surrounding mountains. William with the Matterhorn behind him
Back at Kandersteg
31 July - Canyoning (info coming)
Our last full day in Switzerland was 1 Aug, the Swiss national day which celebrates the formation of the Swiss Confederation in 1271. The Kandersteg Scout Centre had a special program lined up for the day starting early in the morning -- what a great international experience and a wonderful way to cap off a great trip.
The day begins with breakfast on the sports field The "pinkies" (staff) dance around the field
The the "pinkies" lead us in aerobics . . . and then the games begin. A modern day "William Tell's son" waits for someone to knock the apple off his head . . .
. . . with a football Scouts line up for the game
The parade field has Scouts and Scouters from all around the world
The costume contest
Mr Donnell with Mr Glory Ling of the Scout Association of Hong Kong American Football, Kandersteg style
Patraic celebrates And the group from Hong Kong lines up for a picture
In the evening everyone assembles on the sports field to form a parade
1400 Scouts march through the village of Kandersteg to the town square for the Swiss National Day bonfire and fireworks
John with the gigantic bonfire in the background