For our last hurrah in Switzerland, Erika`s parents took us up to the Appenzell, a region in the northeast part of the country (they offered us the use of their rental car if we'd agree to let my mom drive the Transalp with my dad on the back, but backed down after we promised them a nice dinner at the hotel). Luck was with us and it was the first day of sunshine we'd seen in the country. As we rode through Interlaken, we could actually see the surrounding high mountain peaks covered in snow which Dave to that point did not believe actually existed in Switzerland. The lake was deep blue and the towns bordering the waters postcard-picturesque.

Everywhere daffodils were blooming, including at a peaceful cemetary below the high mountain peaks. Exiting the lake region, windy roads ascended into the rolling green hills and big farmhouses of the Appenzell.

Appenzell town was rather tricky to navigate, leading us to a few close calls as we tried to turn left, for example, onto narrow roads where in the cross-street cars seemed oblivious to the existence of any other traffic. Finally we spotted Erika's mom sitting conveniently in front of the tourist office where we'd planned to meet. We had (another) delicious meal that night after strolling around town.

The Santis beckoned the next day. A short scenic drive (yes, we were actually in the car this time) took us to the foot of this mountaintop, and we hopped onto the aerial tram to the top. We didn't anticipate such another world up there, with dramatic snowy vistas reaching as far as the eye could see. We took what looked like an established path to the summit but rapidly turned into a slippery ice-encrusted scramble. It was also fun to roam up and down the modern structure enclosing at least two restaurants with panoramic views through their picture windows. For once we did not stop and eat anything.

One last sentimental good-bye to Erika's parents, and we were off again, this time to see what Liechtenstein was all about.