Living through hunting season vicariously

And it was a success! Since I couldn't join them on the hunt, Mom and Dad brought a piece of me on the trail... my pack! As you can see the pack is a very versatile tool, being a pillow on the slow mornings and still looking good with a little bit of blood on it at the end of the hunt. Wish I could have been there to help shlep it out, but congrats anyway, mom and dad!

One foot in the Swiss team, one foot in the US team

One Knee in CTI

For the second time since coming to Switzerland I made the three hour trek up to Bern. As tiring as it was, Bern was a great city to visit and I picked up my new hot rod red brace from doc Chris Kohler!

Kodak moment!!!

Although a rarity here during the cloudy season of Montreux, it was GORGEOUS today. Since a sailboat was moored perfectly against the mountains, I had to take a picture!

Hot wine for my men... Apples for my horses

Today I came home from Saas to find an entire CRATE of apples ion front of my house. My host family, over the weekend, had gone to an apple orchard and decided that 12 bucks was worth hauling an entire crate home. I guess we will be eating a lot of apple pie over the next couple of weeks! Its a good thing they have a horse!

On the other hand, I love the street food here! Like all other things Swiss (restaurants, etc) all the vendors seem to be the same: hot wine and roasted chestnuts. Perfect for the chilly weather!

Crossin Dixon may love their bird dog

But I definitely love my new blizzards!

With them all tuned up by Win Park they ski like a million bucks. The driver on the other hand.... Well, not too bad for 4 days on snow after surgery and such.

Prisoner of Chateu Chillon

My hands almost froze off biking to school today. The cloudless skies allowed for some great photos but made for some nipply conditions! It was a perfect Fall day and we had a school trip to the Chateu Chillon. Above I am in the prisoner's room where Lord Byron got inspiration for his famous poem. Below is the panoramic view from the tallest tower.

CTI brace fitting in Bern

I traveled an hour and a half to Bern to get fitted for a CTI brace in order to prevent injury. Once I was in the doctor's office, it took only ten minutes of marking up my knee and filling out an order then I had to travel the hour and a half back to Montreux. The verdict? Bern is pretty cool even in the rain.

I look forward to my next Swiss German soft pretzel!

The Frenchie Fair!

On my way back from Saas this week, what I thought was an early launch of the Christmas fair caught my eye. I got off my bus and inquired further by weaving through the stalls receiving countless stares for carrying a pair of boots around in the middle of Fall. It was actually the Francaphonie Fair! All french speaking countries and areas (Louisiana!) had booths set up and there were various performances. As I sat by the water, waiting for the next bus, A group of teens came over and started lifting each other and singing in perfect key. I missed the bus, watching their impromptu performance for a half an hour. Not even a hundred funny looks could have torn me away from that!

Fun times in the artsy-fartsy town of Montreux!

Big kid in the playground

Scaring the local toddlers while fitting in a workout at the park in front of my school.

A new definition for early

The Christmas fair along the water in Montreux doesn't start until early December, but that isn't keeping the town organizers from setting up ALL the stands and decorations (like the pine-bears) in mid-October. If only I was that organized!

Last day to appreciat CH with the Rents

Everything from losing sleep over the visa process, to helping me shlep five months worth of oatmeal over to Switzerland, I wouldn't have this opportunity without my amazing parents. This post is purely a thank you. Thanks for dealing with all my injuries and recoveries, ups and downs; my crazy projects and my habit of biting off more than I can chew.

I appreciate all the support from both my family and from everyone who is following my adventure this year! Next stop: the top of the podium!!!!

They Say Life is an Adventure
Prove Them Right!

First weekend in Saas!

First weekend on snow since early march, so I took thing nice and easy, enjoying the sights in my sister city more than laying down railroads. Next weekend, I'll do more than the "shmear" drill and get a better chance at laying down some trenches.

The Improv Workout

After almost a whole week without working out, I pulled out my handy-dandy TRX (home-made, of course) for a quick kid's park workout.

My Crib... I wish!

Chillon Castle is the biggest example of the rich history in my town. Mom, Dad and I went exploring after school today. I couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship put into every detail from the stonework to the carpentry in each cabinet.

This is a window sill of the kitchen, where it took 1,000 carts of wood to cook one dinner!

View from my new home

From Villeneuve I have a panoramic view... one direction the city of Montreux and the other the mountains across the lake. With the fog that usually hovers on the lake in the morning, I feel like I'm in middle earth.

Pretty Cool!

My favorite fall training!

Breaking in my new C4 blow-up standup paddleboard on Stagecoach Lake before coming to Switzerland. For those who haven't tried it, it is an awesome full body workout with a bit of balance and fun thrown in!

First Day

After I arrived, I met up with Matt Grave's brother Jeff, his family, and a few of his friends for an easy hike.

Or not.

Switzerland Here I come

I recieved word that my visa was approved on Monday. With three days to pack, our living room exploded.












Then We somehow put it all into four bags!












Switzerland here I come with the most jam-packed Golf in the world!