My husband's so well prepared Surprise-Tour, had to be adjusted, and he had to use a Plan B. Due to a big rock fall and the risk of further rocks thundering into the valley, the main-road between Göschenen and Andermatt was and will be closed for security reasons for several weeks. So the tour on the road, with 4-5 meter high snow walls next to the street over the Gotthard Pass was blocked.
But there is still the boring 16 km tunnel to reach the the Italien-speaking region, the canton Tessin. As so often the weather in the southern part of Switzerland was beautiful, in contrast to heavy rainfalls, we had here in the last days.
We went to the Verzasca River valley (Verzasca means green water) and admired the crystal clear, green-turquoise water, the vibrant coloured rocks, with it its treacherous currents and average temperatures of 7-10°C (45-50°F) and the so picturesque double arch stone bridge (ponte dei salti) that was built in the 17th century, and is next to the old stone-built villages one of the most distinctive sights in the region. (The colour in the picture is sooc)
Due to this clear and turquoise water the Verzasca river is a popular scuba diving location and a couple of years ago we made the advanced diver license exactly at his spot. And I was very, very glad today I just could enjoy this amazing location and I did not have deal with life-threatening things like strangling dry suits, strong underwater currents that can you press under rocks, scuba regulator freezing, chilling facts, etc. As beautiful this place is, I was never able to enjoy this place while scuba diving.
I guess you don't need your winter gear! This is lovely. some activities that people do are really odd to my mind. How about scuba diving with all those problems but go into a cave with no air above you and do it!? People do that.
@francoise Smile! No, no winter gear, this time. Maybe next weekend? Honestly I understand "people do that". But for me fresh water diving is technically very demanding especially in those strong currents. So that I can find little or no joy. A cave dive? Why not. Frankly, I'm more afraid of photographing strangers in the street than doing a cave dive.
Beautiful picture and very interesting facts. That bridge is gorgeous, but looks almost too delicate to walk on. I can understand your delight in enjoying this without being put into a possibly life-threatening situation. I have been caving in the past in West Virginia, but cave diving is something I would never think of attempting even if I had the qualifications.
Lovely shot Mona!