Day 12, Wed., 8/25 –
Last full day of our tour started with a visit to Mount Pilatus in the early morning, taking the cog-wheel train to the top. Unfortunately clouds were a problem this day and visibility was almost zero when we reached the top. It would lift momentarily for us to see the cows on a far distant hillside. The sound of their far-off bells was very neat. We drank hot chocolate at the restaurant there, walked through the gift shop, then took the cable cars down the mountain and back to Lucerne. It really was an awesome cable car ride, though all we could see was fog. (Maybe it was better that way...?)

The afternoon was for shopping. Peter and Carole went off to do some "power shopping". Hugh and I had lunch at a pleasant outdoor cafe, shopped a little, then took pictures. We chose to walk back to the hotel instead of taking a buss...arriving just in time for the buss to dinner. Peter & Carole got back early enough to grab a nap. Peter woke up feeling feverish and exhausted. He struggled a bit through the evening at the farewell dinner and started out the next morning still not feeling great, but got better as the day wore on.

Dinner that evening was our farewell and last hurrah at the Stradtskeller Restaurant. We were entertained with an authentic Swiss folk program, including singing, yodelling, alp horn blowing, dancing, flag throwing and assorted other features. Everyone had a great time. Sue and Hugh and Peter were all called up on stage at various times to participate in the hoopla. Sue and Peter got to try their voice at yodelling and Hugh blew an alp horn.

Today's "options" -
*Swiss Folklore Party Dinner & Farewell; Swiss Yodeling, 3 course dinner ($66)