Hiking with Ruth in Lauterbrunnen.

It is no secret that Lauterbrunnen is one of my favorite places in Switzerland. I just think that the valley is so beautiful! In fact, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, my love affair with Switzerland began in Lauterbrunnen in the summer of 2007. Since then, I've spent time with Anne there in the fall of 2010. I sent Kara there for hiking in the spring of 2011 and went there myself with my parents in the summer of 2011. I also went hiking with Aurore there in the winter of 2012, and, just two weeks ago, went hiking there with my sister Ruth.

Ruth visited me for two weeks and was gifted with one perfect, gloriously beautiful fall day. It happened to be the day after her arrival (which I spent also hiking in the mountains), so she fought off jet lag, and we headed into the mountains. More specifically, to Lauterbrunnen.

We did the same walk that I did with Anne and Aurore the different times that we've been there. It truly is the most beautiful walk for the least amount of effort that I've been on in the Alps, which, given Ruth's jet lag and our relatively late start, seemed to be the best idea. I really never get tired of the mountains, and the leaves were especially vibrant and beautiful this time around.

We had a picnic lunch overlooking the valley, and then set out on our walk.

There were plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and we had a really lovely walk.

At the end, we stopped for a panache (like a shandy) at a restaurant looking towards the mountains and basked in the sun. It really doesn't get better than a sunny fall day in the Alps with my sister!