Around Montreux August 1-3 2013

DSC05738 We never tire of this view from the top of the Cote de Pallens DSC05739 take a deep breath "inhale" St. Vincent at eye level and, in the distance, Chillon DSC05740 looking over at the Gramont from our balcony, Austin heard marching music and looked down into the school yard. There were people rehearsing for the August 1 parade! DSC05741 Swiss flags are everywhere on August 1
DSC05742 sure enough the school parking lot is full of action DSC05744 women in traditional dress fidgeting (maybe yawning) before the parade begins DSC05747 the calvary arrives from the left (musee de Montreux roof on the far edge) and stops in front of the Maison du Maitre DSC05748 the men bearing flags rode on beautifully groomed horses
DSC05750 the cannon and artillery team also wait for the parade to begin DSC05751 what an affair! DSC05754 Nikki pointed out the crochetted horse ear bonnets DSC05757 hanging out wondering what's going to happen next
DSC05759 mounted calvary DSC05760 finally the people move from the school yard to the memorial park across the street DSC05765 DSC05768 ceremony commemorating the veterans of wars and the protection of peace in Switzerland
DSC05766 spectators of all sizes and nationalities! DSC05769 I dashed down to the Place du Marche where I found people preparing the national dish for August 1 DSC05770 there were thousands of saussice de veau cooking under the covered market DSC05771 and glasses awaiting the citizens to toast
DSC05772 but first there was the triple cannon salute from the market place out into Lake Geneva DSC05778 then everyone enjoyed the free lunch and beverages DSC05779 Nikki met Magda, our friend from Vieux Montreux DSC05781 Mary-Jo, Nikki and Austin having fun on August 1
DSC05782 Christine and Angela raising glasses to the confederation DSC05784 Angela's kids having some fun DSC05785 Angela's daughter DSC05786 Austin and Nikki take a ride on the swing set up in the Place du Marche-Montreux
DSC05790 Yeehaw!! DSC05791 get the picture? DSC05794 after the swing session we visited Angela's beautiful apartment in center of town DSC05797 sunflower on Angela's balcony
DSC05798 afternoon light on Lake Geneva, the 16:15 boat leaves the debarcadere heading for Lausanne DSC05799 while we are preparing for the evening party on the balcony DSC05801 Brigitte has a passion for the garlic press DSC05800 Dents du Midi from Residence Grand Bleu-wait! Didn't I take this photo a few hours earlier?
DSC05802 Quentin and Francois relax on the balcony while admiring the view DSC05803 Sunset on the lake DSC05804 Alpen glow on the Dents du Midi DSC05806 Ghislaine and Adia
DSC05809 special Apple Pie turned golden (reminds me of a sunset I've seen) DSC05811 Dinner is served DSC05813 Ghislaine and Angela talk art DSC05814 Amy's Quinoa
DSC05815 Amy and Adia dance the jig DSC05823 August 2 green bean harvest continues DSC05824 with zucchini and Paddy Pan squash DSC05825 Brigitte over the stove
DSC05826 The balcony is all clean and ready for another meal DSC05828 Good thing because here we are again DSC05829 then we head up the Gorge du Chaudron DSC05830 Nikki dips her feet in the cool creek
DSC05833 While Austin gets considerably wetter DSC05834 under the waterfall DSC05835 Brigitte and Nicolas explore DSC05836 Austin is enjoying the creek to its fullest
DSC05837 Brigitte wades DSC05838 Brigitte in Gorges du Chaudron DSC05839 Brigitte and Nicolas DSC05840 waterfall
DSC05841 another sunset on the lake DSC05842 Brigitte and Nico enjoying fresh garden green beans