basel

This morning we took a train ride through the snowy Swiss countryside up to Basel. It was a cozy ride with sunshine, coffee, and the last of the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

We arrived just after noon and made out way to the hotel, with a little extra wandering and a stop to see the red town hall, Rathaus.

Our hotel was charming, a family owned hotel-gallery-theater-restaurant-cafe-archeological site. We stayed in a room that was painted all red with simple furniture and a view on the neighboring rooftops.

We spent the rest of the day strolling through the town, popping into stores, the Christmas market, and stopping for lackerli, pretzels, candied almonds, roasted chestnuts along the way.

Cathedral and carousel-actually a spinning bar:  

The Rhine at night:

Plenty of trees and twinkling lights to start into the holiday spirit, the snow helps too.

up, again...

This time I have company for the hike. Remember this guy? (above left) He hasn't seen the light of day in a while (work induced), so some fresh air and hiking did some good. I had to reintroduce him to the trees and the little chirpy things that fly.

After a peanut butter and jelly picnic in the sun,  clarity and temperature change past the Narderans (as usual).

Cold, cloudy, and windy at the top, but a momentary break from the clouds. The summit never really cleared, but a bit of sun for the trip down. Soaking it in before the normal Sunday rains and tomorrow's broccoli soup making.