What can we say? It was the trip from hell. It started well enough -- leaving Kandersteg on the train for Spiez. The idea was to change for the direct train to the Zurich Airport, but the trains not only weren't running on time, some of them (including ours) just stopped running altogether. The normally clockwork precision of the Swiss rail network was coming unraveled. Not only were the train schedules in disarray, information about alternatives was non-existent. The board was still showing our train as being on time -- even after it was 30 minutes past due. We finally caught a train to Bern where we switched to one that was supposed to be going to Zurich Airport. When we arrived in Zurich the train stopped for good, so we had to change again. Still had time to make the plane except we sat in the train that was supposed to be going to the airport for 20 minutes past its departure time only to find out that the engine was broken. By the time we switched to yet another train (and it left late) for the 10 minute ride to the airport it was too late. Although it was still 45 min to flight time Delta would not process us for the flight so we had to be rebooked (at a $250 fee each). Since the flights were almost full, we had to split the group coming back -- some going through Atlanta and some going through New York. We spent the night in Zurich airport and everyone got out the next day. Of course, one plane was late and the other encountered headwinds so ended up late in the States. Bottom line, though, is that we all made it back safe and sound with wonderful memories of a special high adventure trip to Kandersteg.
Packing up On the bus to the train station
The train to Spiez -- all is still going well Joseph thinks it's almost over . . .
Waiting at Spiez for a train that never came Finally made it to Zurich where we waited and waited
Finally got a train to the airport (we were still smiling at that point) The agents rebook our flights
Our campsite at the Zurich airport Finally ready to board the flight to the USA