Maja’s birthday hike to the Mogote Mountain in Jarabacoa
My friend Maja and I began hiking two years ago in the Dominican Republic, with the Mogote trail as our first route in the region. Guillermo, Larissa, and Georgina joined us for a six-hour ascent and descent, each involving roughly 950 meters of elevation gain. The path led through dense forest that provided essential shade.
This was no casual walk but a 3.5-hour ascent on a steep, narrow, rocky path. The summit delivered a full 360-degree panorama that justified the effort.
At the summit, we stopped to recover and take in the panorama. We ate, drank, and assumed the descent would be the easy part. In retrospect, another three hours of climbing may have been less punishing.
Thank you for this beautiful day in such great company. Despite the effort and the struggle, we never lost our good humor—or our laughter. May the record of this hike stand as a basis for future routes shared with the same clarity of purpose and companionship.
A Day in Nature: Happy Hiker Group’s Journey in Bonao
Our new international Happy Hiker group embarked on its inaugural outing to the scenic town of Bonao. Nestled between the Central Mountain Range and the Sierra de Yamasá, the Bonao Valley provided the perfect setting for our first adventure.
Read MoreVisita de los pediatras
¡Qué alegría inmensa y qué honor tan grande haber recibido en Suiza a nuestros queridísimos pediatras, Nuno y Roberto, acompañados de Tuta, Pilar y Carlos! Fueron días mágicos, llenos de risas, aventuras, exquisitas experiencias gastronómicas y momentos inolvidables, explorando encantadores pueblos, ciudades, montañas y la impresionante cascada del Rin.
Read MoreExploring Täschalp: A Hidden Gem Hike Near Zermatt
Täschalp 2157m – Täschhütte 2701m – Mellichbach – Täschalp
Philippe was looking for a less touristy hike around the bustling town of Zermatt. After enjoying a peaceful trek from Täschalp the previous day, where we encountered only a handful of other hikers, we decided to explore the quieter trails around Täsch.
Exploring Täschalp to Zermatt: Stunning Views Await
Täschalp 2157m – Tuftern – Sunnegga – Findeln – Winkelmatten 1672m
Philippe and I had walked this trail a few years ago when I did the famous Haute Route. Back then, we hiked all the way from Täsch (1449m) up to Täschalp (2157m), and it was seriously tough! This time, though, we took the Alpen bus, and in just 20 minutes, we were at the top without breaking a sweat. What a difference!
Read MoreMatterhorn Glacier Trail: A Winter Hike Adventure in early Autumn
Trockener Steg 2939m – Schwarzsee 2583m (Matterhorn Glacier Trail) – Stafel – Zmutt – Winkelmatten 1615m
It was freezing today, hovering around 0 degrees, when we set off on our hike. My hands and feet were instantly cold, and after such a long stretch of warm summer weather, the sudden drop in temperature really caught us off guard. We weren’t exactly prepared for it! There weren’t many other hikers around, probably because of the harsh weather, which gave the trail a quiet and almost eerie atmosphere. The rocky, barren landscape reminded me of a lunar surface, making the experience feel even more special in its own way.
Read MoreA Refreshing Stroll Through Zermatt’s Gorner Schlucht
Upon arriving in Zermatt, we embarked on a brief yet invigorating stroll through the Gorner Gorge. This picturesque locale holds a special place in our hearts, having been a cherished destination for years during visits with my Japanese family. Despite our frequent returns, the dramatic landscape and raw beauty of the gorge continue to captivate us. The thundering waters and towering cliffs never fail to leave us in awe.
Read MoreKlingenstock to Fronalpstock with Persio, Silvana and the Ortiz family!
During the Ortiz family’s week-long visit, we embarked on the iconic ridge hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock. Persio and Silvana traveled from Verona to join us for a few days, and we were blessed with sunshine and ideal temperatures throughout the adventure.
Read MoreMother’s Day Excursion: A Day of Sun, Sea, Family & Friends
Under cloudy skies, we embarked on a private boat excursion with the Diaz Beracasa family, Jessica, and her boyfriend Benny, to the picturesque beaches of Ermitano 2, Playa Onda, and Ermitano 1. The boat picked us up at Playa Bonita, and after a 40-minute ride on the quiet sea, we arrived at Playa Ermitano 2. As the sun gradually emerged, the day turned into perfection. Despite forgetting the snorkeling gear, we had a wonderful time swimming and playing on the beach.
Read MoreTeshima Island: A Journey Through Art and Tranquility
The day began with a short yet scenic boat ride from Naoshima to Teshima, often regarded as Naoshima’s “little sister.” However, Teshima is much more than a mere counterpart—it offers a unique charm all its own. A convenient bus system allows visitors to journey seamlessly between the island’s various art sites. Unlike traditional galleries or museums, these installations are beautifully integrated into the surrounding natural environment. The Japanese concept of “borrowing scenery,” often employed in temple gardens, is masterfully embodied here.
Read More
Fly, Hike & Travel. 