Helen and Werner collected us at 10 and we set off towards Interlaken. Stopped to look at fantastic view back down the lake and across beautiful mountains , then we arrived at Ballenberg. This is the Swiss Open-Air Museum set in 163 acres of beautiful Swiss hill country, so lots of exercise as we walked around the 100 reconstructed, mostly wooden houses and other buildings dating back to the 1600s from all rural areas of Switzerland.

There were live demos of cheese making, wood carving, weaving, and much more . All beautifully set out with furnished buildings, old breeds of chooks, rabbits and cows. Working water wheels grinding linseed oil, bone to bone meal and working a single blade saw for planks much needed for repairs. Interesting to look at the 'birthing room' and read the traditions of courtship and engagement leading to marriage. Pre marital sex openly "OK" in the village. Your wedding cart paraded through the street after the wedding showing off your dowry - a double bed, wardrobe of "Glory Box" hand sewn linen, locally made wicker suitcases, wooden storage trunk, spinning wheel, spindle and chairs. Lovely collection of wedding photos, ladies mostly dressed all in black to mimic the rich.

We managed to walk 9 km and stayed all day! As we left, out side the gates, the Ballenberg chocolate factory was still making chocolates, so we had to buy some! Helen and Werner drove us home, through thick and very slow traffic as it was the end of school holidays. Such a great time with lovely old friends, and sunny warm weather all day.

Took a a short walk along the edge of the nature reserve, adjacent to the camp, looking at various water birds.

Arrived back in camp to find a note on our door- "G'day, mate. Come and have a chat, site 72". There we met Wolfgang and Claudia, from Ellis Beach near Cairns (originally from Austria and Lucerne.) Great chat about our respective travels, tips gathered and a wine or two shared (Australian wine, of course). Plan to catch up in Aus. next year.

Then a really late dinner of soup and toast. Great to have sunshine all day.