CherriesWalks.com

Snowshoeing Marchairuz

2012-02-01T20:51:00.000+01:00

Absolutely beautiful day before the sub-zero degree weather started! There is so much snow out there that the stone walls are totally covered up and it can be quite disorienting. We saw lots of wild squirel, hare and a few chamois tracks!

Lots of powder in the Jura!

2012-01-31T20:56:00.002+01:00

Wow!
Can you believe this?! I went ski touring in the Jura in massive powder! It was amazing! Then the sunset and the sky turned purple! Yippeee!

Happy Snowshoeing in Verbier

2012-01-30T08:10:00.002+01:00

WOW!
Soooo much snow to play in! This is fantastic!
A beautiful Sunday afternoon stroll into the powder and the cloud! What bliss!

Snowstorm Snowshoe!

2012-01-28T08:22:00.007+01:00

I don't think I realized until I looked at theses photos how much it was snowing during our walk! I was so enthralled with the crazy snow crystals that had formed on the norwegian spruces that the rest became oblivious! What a fabulous week-end. Thank you!

So much snow around we can just eat it off the trees! A special winter treat that comes only to those who have the courage to go out on such a day.

Just a bit of snow in Verbier

2012-01-18T20:43:00.000+01:00

Never seen so much snow in Verbier in my 13 winters here! Absolutely phenomenal! And they are announcing more to come. The base is fantastic for snowshoeing. I am looking forward to a great season ahead.

Hope to see you & fresh snowflakes soon!

Snowshoeing in Verbier

2012-01-12T20:32:00.000+01:00

Wahooo! What a beautiful day & snowshoe hike up to Croix de Coeur. The slide back down was fabulous! Beautiful wild animal tracks all over the snow cover.
Can't say it is ever boring or the same. I love this job!

Tour de la dent de Chamosentze

2011-11-11T08:46:00.002+01:00

Another cool geological outing in a place we drive by on the autoroute and barely even glimpse up at. Well, of course there are so many other peaks in the way that it is hard to see this one! Just snuggled in between Ovronnaz, Derborence and below the Muverans is the Dent (tooth) de Chamosentze!

It is worth going up to the Mayens de Chamosson to see the view of the Rhône Valley and accross to the Matterhorn and the Pierre Avoi. Quite spectacular, certainly with the morning fog.

Unfortunately we did not manage to do the tour of the Dent, as there was lots of snow on the north side. Cannot wait to do this when the snow melts next year, who's comming along?

Leysin

2011-11-09T08:35:00.005+01:00

Wow, I had not been back to Leysin in a long time and I am not sure I have ever been there without snow!!! It was beautiful & fresh! We had a delicious picnic at the base of the Tour d'Aï & Tour de Mayen. After lots of geological blabla, which I am sure everybody understood....

I sure hope these guys get snow this winter. We saw lots of wild chevreuil & chamois hopping around between the frozen ground line and the unfrozen grass!

Lac de Louvie

2011-10-15T11:08:00.001+02:00

Magnificent fall colors to get to the lac de louvie in the upper val de Bagnes. Fresh snow at the cabane.

In New Zealand they have signs up all over the place about their wonderful reflecting lakes, well ours aren't so bad either!

The steeeeep descent back to Fionnay with amazing views of the Massif des Combins, as well as Mont Blanc and every happy snow white peak in between!

Geology in the Chablais

2011-10-12T11:07:00.000+02:00

First part of a majorly intense geology course started in the Chablais in France. It was a fun surprise to see the Dents du Midi hugging the side of the Grand Combins massif!

We spent the first day figuring out how to make a geological map - wow! I don't think these guys could ever be paid enough for the minute work they do! Not sure that I will ever make anyone do this type of exercise, unless we are stuck somewhere for days!

We went out searching for fossils in the recently melted snow around the limestone of the Mont Chauffé near Ubine one day. These little stars are not star fish, but a plant's stem which fossilized in the shallow warm seas which were where the alps now are.

By the end we walked in an area I have only explored covered in snow with skis, where one can walk on the continental crust & the oceanic crust simultaneously!

Lac de Salanfe

2011-10-02T10:07:00.012+02:00

Just above the Rhone valley is a fabulous spot that brings you to the foot of the Dents du Midi. The fall colors are not quite out yet as we have not had a frost. But as we returned to the car we heard the 'brame du cerf', which is the mating call of the male deer. It was impressive, there were 2 deer in the valley and their ruminations were resonating loudly! I was super happy to come here today, as this month I am following a geology course on the region of the Chablais, which the Dents du Midi are a part of.

Fall in my garden!

2011-09-26T09:54:00.001+02:00

Just a few of the goodies that have been ripening while I have been off guiding! What a delight to come home and find that they are still eadible! Now to prepare everything so that I can eat it during the winter months!!! Any ideas?

Horseradish

2011-09-22T10:00:00.001+02:00

I have been watching this gorgeous leafy plant for 2 years now. I thought the roots would resemble a carrot or a potato, but they were alot thinner. I made some jars with organic raspberry vinegar & other ones with cider vinegar. Wonder if there will be any difference in the long run?

Another successful Cham to Zermatt trek!

2011-09-20T09:50:00.001+02:00

What a great summer I have had! Thanks to all who joined up for all my tours, I really enjoyed myself! I mean look at the picnic spot here! Who can top that?!

Tour du Mont Blanc

2011-09-03T12:42:00.001+02:00

Zermatt!

2011-08-23T17:50:00.003+02:00

We did it!!!

And the Matterhorn was still there with us & a gazillion tourists taking photos of it!

Day VIII Gruben - Zermatt

2011-08-22T17:46:00.002+02:00

ummmm....did I mention lots of rocks yesterday? Well there were even MORE today!

Just before getting to Jungu we got to watch a big daddy bouquetin (ibex) loftily munching on some grass on a death-defying slope below us.

Day VII Grimentz - Gruben

2011-08-21T17:34:00.001+02:00

So much to say about today's hike, I really don't know how to cover it all!

Lots of rocks today!
Views of the Zinalrothorn that were unimaginable!
More rocks, granite this time!
Alpine lakes to dip into!
Rocks!
Hot sun!
Rocks!
Descent into the arolla & larch forests!
Arnica & bluebells everywhere!
Swiss-german to be spoken!

Yodeliiihiiihouuuuuu!
(that says it all!)

Day VI Arolla - Grimentz

2011-08-20T17:28:00.004+02:00

Heat wave hit us for sure today! But I have to admit after the snowy hikes of July this year I am not too distressed at walking in the heat. The Grand Raid was ending in Grimentz today, so we had a lively time watching bikers and helicopters buzzing around the val d'anniviers.

Houseleek - supposed to protect houses from being hit by lightening. Maybe I should think about attaching some of it to my backpack on these hot days that end in storms?!

Edelweiss

Day V Cabane Prafleuri - Arolla

2011-08-19T17:15:00.014+02:00

What a splendid view onto the Grande Dixence dam! Today we saw marmots & lots of edelweiss as we ascended to the Col de Riedmatten. Now this is not for the faint hearted! We made it just after a hail storm soaked us from behind!

A looooooong descent took us to Arolla for the night. The view onto the glacier & cows grazing right by the shining blue ice was spectacular!

What a day! Bravo! Cannot tell you how nice it was to take off my boots in Arolla!

Day IV Verbier to Cabane Pra Fleuri

2011-08-18T17:10:00.005+02:00

We hiked from the Grande Dixence dam up to the Cabane de Prafleuri today taking advantage of the good weather to try and see some marmots. But I guess it was too hot for them, as we did not see any.

Day III Champex Lac to Cabane Mont Fort Verbier

2011-08-17T16:47:00.006+02:00

Wow, what a beautiful morning to walk around Champex Lac before heading up into the alpine fields of Verbier.

After observing a blue heron we headed off to stroll up to the Cabane Mont Fort to watch the sun-set and have a yummy dinner on the terrace. Can't think of many better ways to spend a day! Ahhhh!

Day II Trient to Champex Lac

2011-08-16T16:42:00.004+02:00

Sunny & beautiful day to arrive and plunge our feet into the glorious mountain lake in Champex. We had wild strawberries, rasberries & myrtilles the whole way - why bother carrying chocolate that melts?!? Oh yeah, because it is so goooooooooooood!

Day I Argentière to Trient

2011-08-15T16:40:00.000+02:00

Started off with a bit of rain on our 10 day hike to Zermatt! Funny that as soon as we crossed the mountains into Switzerland the sun was shinning...hmmmm...!

Tour du Bec des Rosses

2011-08-12T11:27:00.000+02:00

This is a hike for you if you like views, bouquetins & aren't afraid of heights!

We hiked up to the Col de la Chaux, over a bit of ice to get warmed up. After the col & the wild ibex in the sun, we got to the petit lac du mont fort. Unfortunately, it was too cold to get into!
We couldn't get away from the Massif des Combins! It was just amazing!

After a picnic on the rocks and observing the movement of glaciers on the landscape we followed the trail to the Col Termin where the Massif du Mont Blanc, Dents du Midi & a view all the way to the Jura awaited us for the rest of the afternoon!

What a beautiful backyard I have!

Sunrise on Mt.Fort

2011-08-11T11:07:00.001+02:00

Not a cloud in the sky for this morning's sunrise at Mt.Fort!
It was a magical moment, although it started at 4a.m. it was definitely worth it!

There is nothing like coming all the way from Boston to see all the 4000 meter peaks of the Alps in the morning sun. Thanks!

Villars

2011-08-08T17:40:00.001+02:00

Such a beautiful place to hike, even on a cloudy day!

Villars to Diablerets Mountain Biking

2011-08-05T17:21:00.001+02:00

Sunshine - rain - mud - happy flowers - télécabines: old & new - bus rides...we had it all today!

So how many boys do I need to help me fix my brakes?! And where did the sun just go?

Lucky these guys have a hiking guide with them!!

Even a rainbow at the end!

Mont Fort Sunrise

2011-08-04T13:39:00.000+02:00

Wow!
After all this rain in July, what an awesome 1st sunrise to have!
Was well worth getting up at 4 a.m!
Sign up for next week's outing with Téléverbier - Thursday.
If you have the annual lift pass you don't pay anything....tempting?!
See you next week!

Flower eating in Verbier

2011-08-03T17:04:00.018+02:00

We started off with a BANG today! The skies opened up and rained and thundered lightening on us for an hour. But that was okay as we had some yummy local cheese with us to snack on. Once the show was over we resumed picking some healthy plants for lunch.

Thyme

Clover

Yarrow

Alpine Calamint

Picnic!

After a steeeep hike up to the Château de Verbier we strolled back to the Chalet d'Adrien with some fresh herbs & flowers for our afternoon tea!

Yum!!

Cabane Moiry - Grimentz

2011-08-02T16:55:00.006+02:00

What a beautiful day! Finally felt like summer for an entire day!

The great thing about hiking up to this cabane is the access road brings you up past the Barrage de Moiry so you don't have to trudge around the dammed lake for an hour. The lake is about 30 meters lower than usual - which is the case with all the lakes this summer. Even though we have had record rain for July, the lack of precipitation this winter is visible.

The glacier de Moiry is melting fast...sad to see.
The Cabane Moiry was newly renovated last year and is modern and beautiful. Their food is all prepared with organic ingredients! Had a very yummy salad!

Compagnie Macadam!

2011-07-31T12:04:00.001+02:00

Wow! What an epic last rando culturelle for the Verbier Festival.
On our outing we met a black tent...

Once you see what is inside you will never be the same again!

It was great fun to do these outings, I hope the Fest'Off can keep offering them to you all.
A l'année prochaine!

Verbier Fest'Off Communicating with Nature

2011-07-30T11:40:00.020+02:00

Today I took the unsuspecting clients on the first ever CherriesWalks edition of 'Communicate with Nature' Workshop. It was a success! Bravo & thank you all for participating!

We went for a stroll into the forest, to get in the mood everyone chose a special place.

When we got back together again I blindfolded the group to continue the walk.
Once their sense of balance, smell, hearing and all got to develop I asked them to remove their shoes and walk barefoot for a while.

It was amazing and fun to see how everyone enjoyed new sensations and the forgotten 'art' of sitting quietly in a forest.

Blurb for the Fest'Off free outings Sat & Sun from 10-12 Verbier Tourist Office

2011-07-28T11:36:00.005+02:00

Bring the whole family, all your friends, tell anyone & everyone about it!
Hope to see you this coming Sat & Sun.
Sunday will be a very very special outing!

St-Luc to Chandolin

2011-07-27T12:06:00.009+02:00

From St-Luc we followed the old mule trail to Chandolin for a delicious rösti in the Cabane d'Illhorn. We managed to get there dry in the forest of arola pines & larches.

Here is what the arola (also known as the Cembro Pine)pinecone looks like.

It needs the help of a special bird, the spotted nutcracker to open it up and get to the grains.

It then buries the seeds in the ground to feed on in winter. Fortunately for the tree the bird sometimes forgets where it has buried its cache, (hopefully) allowing the seeds to germinate into a tree 40 years later!

Cabane Illhorn hiding in the trees - a surprisingly high treeline in Chandolin. This area has a special flora as it is so well protected. Which is why at 2000 meters Chandolin is the highest village in the Swiss Alps inhabited year-round. They have water & wood - the essentials for survival! The Illgraben cliffs also harbor interesting features that are well worth visiting.

Association Elements Verbier

2011-07-26T11:56:00.001+02:00

Aujourd'hui on est allé visiter le géoparc dans le Haut Val de Bagnes en coordination avec l'Association Elements qui travaile dure pour promouvoir le dévelopement durable dans la vallée.
Une rando très tranquille et sympathique de Fionnay à Bonatschiesse. Pour le picnic j'ai invité le groupe à cueillir des plantes sauvages que nous avons dégusté en pesto sur du bon pain de sègle local.

Ensuite le gros sujet...la géologie de la région...gloups, par où commencer?!? C'est pas vraiment evident d'expliquer 4'500 millions d'années en un après-midi!

Merci encore à tous d'avoir participé. Et à vous autres je vous recommande vivement de faire partie des activités d'Elements!

At last some sunshine

2011-07-25T11:53:00.001+02:00

This houseleek was particularly happy to have some sun to bake in today!

Fest off Verbier

2011-07-24T11:14:00.011+02:00

I am guiding the Fest Off Culture Walks in Verbier during the festival.
They are free and open to anyone from ages 1-99. We start at 10am from the Tourist Office in Verbier and end at noon. Every Saturday & Sunday, and they are in Français & English (sorry not Swedish yet..)!
So far we have had a bit of all ages, even those who cannot walk yet!!
Thank you everyone who has participated.
They have been fun & different each week-end.

This Sunday we met two Tyrolian giant Trolls who had their pants half on and some stein mugs with who knows what in them join us. They followed my group into the forest above Carrefour to help us make a sculpture with natural objects (land art). They even had a sparkler in their bag that they lit up on our natural artwork!

We left Wurstel & Morille as they had a date with Biquettes

and continued our merry way into the lupin fields. Ahhh, the flora at the moment is awesome! Summer is beautiful in Verbier, even if I did walk in my down jacket and a wool hat!

Tour des Combins with the Rotary Club

2011-07-20T10:37:00.001+02:00

The Verbier-St.Bernard Rotary Club organizes each year an outing for children who need to take a vacation!

We had a super fun time in the flowers & clouds on the way to the Cabane du Col de Mille - uhhh, before they got snowed on... This cabana is going to be renovated soon which will make rainy afternoons more pleasant to spend indoors. Although I am going to miss running 50 meters to the outhouse!

The second night the torrential downpour & snowfall did not join us, but we had an extra special visit from Pascal Tissères who is a geologist. He runs the Fondation Tissères in Martigny, which explains all the rock activity in the region and has a splendid collection of crystals. It is free and I recommend you visit it - certainly these days if you don't know what to do in our not so summery weather. Our 11 year olds astounded him by having remembered lots of things I had told them that day - I was highly impressed as well! Bravo!

Magnificent sunset on the Cabane Brunet with fresh snow around us!!

Verbier Music Fesitval outings with CherriesWalks

2011-07-16T10:31:00.001+02:00

What a lucky bunch!

33 of us and a beautiful lab got to hang out in the sun above Verbier today in the company of Aurélien Donze who astounded us with his magic instrument from the ancient culture of 'Baborigènes'

Zinal

2011-07-10T11:53:00.000+02:00

Epic 2 days up to the Arpitetta hut above Zinal at the end of the Val d'Anniviers. Definitely a 'wow' outing!

I was excited to do some high altitude hiking with chains & torrent crossings, wild ibex (bouquetins).

The hike back down the next day was wonderful, it looked as though it was raining in every other valley except for ours! The marmots were out in the sunshine and we were in the arrola pines checking out the big black cows (reines).

Absolutely stunning views of the Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Lo Besso and lots of rocks & tumbling hanging glaciers. The views were changing all the time.

Tour Mont Fort

2011-07-04T11:41:00.000+02:00

Awesome to ride lifts with our bikes - although we had to add an extra 400 meters up hill ride at noon cuz the Nendaz lift was not open... The amount of terrain you can cover on a bike in one day is phenomenal. From the green fields to the rocky Gentianes col, it is all beautiful

Top of Pierre Avoi

2011-07-03T11:37:00.000+02:00

After those freaky ladders to the top of our limestone bump in Verbier it was time for a rest in the sun under the watchful glaciers of the Massif des Combins. Really never could get bored of my back yard!

Walkin' & Talkin' in Verbier

2011-07-02T11:32:00.001+02:00

Hiked up Creblet to check out Lac des Vaux. The sun was shinning, the water was glistening & the flowers were singing.

Nothing bad to say about a day like this - oh, and gummy bears for a picnic! Yahoooo!

Aphrodisiac plants

2011-06-18T11:25:00.000+02:00

Out in the rain with a bunch of wild girls to learn about the looooove qualities of wild alpine plants. What a hoot! Have not had a quiet sleep since!!! Am a bit reticent to try the stinging nettle action...

Total eclipse of the moon

2011-06-15T11:16:00.000+02:00

The clouds moved out of the way as the moon's face started to re-appear.

Really a special event to see. We sat on the balcony and finished off a bucket of icecream and watched the full moon come back out. Hope you all saw it as well.

Natural hot springs!

2011-06-13T11:10:00.000+02:00

After a long hot hike along the bisse (water canal built in the 1400s to bring water to the south facing dry hillsides for survival) we ended up under ground.

The grotto had a running hot water stream going through it. Wow! At 1st the water seemed cold, but it was just that we were entering a cave of 10 degrees when the outside temperatures were around 25 degrees. We cleaned off and enjoyed some red wine before heading back to the car.

Jura flora

2011-06-11T10:59:00.000+02:00

Limestone & insects buzzzing all over the happy spring flowers.

Had a wonderful day on top of the Jura above Nyon. Tried to fly a kite but there was for the 1st time ever, no wind!!

Istanbul with Cherries Walks

2011-06-05T10:49:00.000+02:00

A hot & spicy place - Turkey!
An absolute joy to guide a group of Swiss school kids around the most populated city in the world. Fabulous weather to visit the bazaars, mosque , Bosphorus and many wonderful places in this magical city. The original home of the tulip & the cherry!

Hiking in Vaud!

2011-05-31T18:51:00.000+02:00

Yep, not so far from the autoroute above Montreux is a spot with more flowers than you can imagine! Oh and the views of the lake, France & the Valais from up there is just breathtaking! You also get to check out the mountains of the Massif du Mont Blanc!

Here we have an unusual view of the Chardonnet, Aiguille Verte & Les Drus squeezed between the Dents de Morcles & Dents du Midi. Definitely worth seeing.
If you take the time to poke your nose a little closer to the gazzzillion-millllion super cute & cuddley flowers you get to notice the special beauty of each one individually. It doesn't take long and the rewards for the observations is fun.

These cuties are called Stellaria holostea - Stellaire - Stitchwort. Yeah...not so romantic to know the name...

This wooden shingle architecture is called 'tavillons' in Suisse Romande. It is really interesting to learn how they traditionaly built their chalets d'alpage. Today this is a protected artisanal cultural art. Just imagine, for 2 square meters of roofing in this fashion you need about 250 wooden shingles to ensure it was water proof!

Avalanche course

2011-05-25T15:41:00.000+02:00

It is about 25 degrees out, so of course I was expecting to give an avalanche course!
Luckily I managed to find a last run out with a snowshoer, skier and a wild alpine beast! What a ride. Hate to tell you, but the snowshoer got taken out by the avalanche. And the poor skiier couldn't find him at the bottom of the ravine. It is essential to know how to use your safety tools & yer noggin! But the kids all found the hidden tranceivers in the alpine heather. Pretty funny morning!
Moral of the story : you can learn how to use your avalanche tranceiver even if there is no snow on the mountain!
Be safe, go with friends, think & do what you can do! Enjoy!

Herbal Honeys

2011-05-23T19:23:00.000+02:00

Trying a new recipe this year!
I have so much sage & lavender in the garden that I am going to see if they will become a tasty yummy sirup when left in the sun with 'sucre candi' like it does with the buds of Norweigian Spruces.
Will let you know in the fall!

Hungry for nature?

2011-05-18T08:43:00.000+02:00

Happy May

2011-05-03T15:30:00.001+02:00

Muscari à toupet, very pretty type of flower that is going crazy in the dry hot sun just around the corner from my house. We have a really interesting micro climate that attracts different flora & fauna than the rest of the val de Bagnes.

Fabulous weather out for going for frolics in the flowery fields! We were lucky enough to see a green lizard. The head has some turquoise on it, so it is a male. They are quite big and fun to see if you are quick, or slow enough!

Hiking around Verbier

2011-04-20T09:02:00.000+02:00

As the snow has disapeared up high it is ideal for long sunny walks with outrageous views of the Alps! What an awesome day out with someone who has done all the Munroes.

I have to admit I had no clue what that meant when first contacted. But now I know it means that there are some people who are daring enough to climb, walk, hike, scramble around in Scotland and make it up every peak over 3000 feet! Wow! Bravo!

Wild cooking!

2011-04-19T08:49:00.000+02:00

Spring is here and with it all sorts of goodies are popping out of the ground to eat!

It just takes a little time to learn which plants are the right ones to eat and how to eat them, as well as which part to eat! All this is very important as you can make some pretty fatal mistakes...

So it is best you learn what is the right plant to start off with. I suggest taking it one plant at a time. After one day of picking and preparing one variety you will probably never forget its characteristics and make a mistake. But PLEASE, be very careful with this. Certainly if you are with pregnant women or children. Mistakes can be fatal.

I had to go to the flat lands to pick some wild bear garlic (ail des ours), I used it fresh to make some amazing pesto & put some in a bottle with apple cider vinegar (bio) and wow! Talk about having a 'zing' to it - without adding any garlic!

As I said above be sure you know what you are picking! This plant can be confused with muget - which is toxic!
If you ever have any questions about what plant you are picking you can ask me.

Fresh snow snowshoeing!

2011-04-01T09:05:00.000+02:00

It is spring, and you've got to get up and get the fresh snow as it is falling! Basically the rule is 'you snooze...you looze!' It was just a magical winter wonderland day!

Got to see some fresh squirel tracks, they are so cute. Probably one of my favorite tracks to see!
o

Had a beautiful snowshoe in the fresh flakes up to Ruinettes. By the time I got back down to Carrfour the snow was already melting!

Look ma! No snowshoes!

2011-03-25T09:06:00.007+01:00

Yep, the sun is shinning, the crocuses are popping and the snowshoes are starting to be put away!

A fabulous sunny day to go for a walk and check out all the views from the Massif des Combins to the Massifs du Mont Blanc. I will never tire of this view, and it is so much fun to show it off to people who have never seen it!

Had a huge walk this morning up to Marlenaz area and back along the bisse du Levron to Namasté and down in the flowery fields to Carrfour. Absolutely tiring and fun!

Snowshoeing in Valais with CherriesWalks

2011-03-06T10:18:00.001+01:00

My new snowshoes!

The view from the Col de Golette, not an outing on snowshoes, but a nice ski tour from the top of Les Marécottes. The view of the Valaisans Alps is breathtaking, as is the panorama off the back of the Dents du Midi, Luisin, Tour Salière. Ahh, such a beautiful day!

Sun is out again...! And the snowshoeing is awesome! Beautiful views to be had where ever you chose to go! Had a fun day showing what squirels are up to in the winter. It is so great to snowshoe with skiers, they see the area in different and new ways they knew nothing about!

Yahoooo! It is snowing all over the place! Hopefully it will last! Once again can see animal prints and snowshoe all over the place without playing snowpatch hopscotch!

What an expedition!

Took off in the Jura without snowshoes, but with a caquelon & fondue. We made an offering of a snowball to a dead tree before spending the night in one of the barns that is on the ridge.

The next morning we awoke to 25cm of fresh beautiful powder snow! It worked! The snow-trolls got our offering!!

We didn't need the snowshoes to walk out, but they give more options if you do have them. On the hike out, we saw a herd of chamois. They just watched us, as we watched them. The Jura is really a beautiful area to discover.

A gorgeous hike up the Marlenaz region of Verbier.

With the avalanche danger at 1 (on a scale up to 5, with 5 being the most dangerous conditions) I have been able to take snowshoers to places where I normally do not go. Another exciting feature has been the crunchy snow, it alows you to go farther than when it is soft and powdery. Lately it has been a bit crazy when I do get into light snow, I am not used to it anymore!!!

Even the flowers have come out to smile at us! It was fun to see the slope with the tiny yellow heads of the tussilage (Colt's Foot) in the morning. When we passed by around noon, the heat of the sun had opened them up into these happy heads! Apparently the Tussilago Farfara (Latin name) is not only good for us as a remedy to colds, but helps the first adventurous bees that come out by giving them the 1st pollen of the season. Interestingly this flower does not make nectar though.

2011 snowshoe outings with CherriesWalks

2011-03-05T19:55:00.001+01:00

Ok, so the other day I didn't manage to finish gloating about all the awesome, fabulous, fun, delightful, powder, wild, backcountry, epic, fantastic, géniale, new, favorite, etc.. places I have been this year. I'm going to try and do it all justice by posting a photo from every outing so far, regardless of dates for once. I hope you enjoy the quick tour and I hope you are having a super duper winter too!
Here goes:

I had the pleasure of taking out some friends who were stranded here from Boston where it was 'DUMPIIIIIIING DUDE' and learned that it is the law there to clear the snow from the sidewalk infront of your house! We went to a wild forest above Martigny.

This is the view from the top of the Dents de Morcles! It was a ski tour, and I am just posting the photo because I have tried to hike up there three times in the summer and have never made it. It just proves that some things are best attained by different means. And in no way would I ever consider snowshoeing up there or perhaps trying to hike up there for a 4th time!!
Vichères is a magical spot and needs to be taken slowly and happily. We got to a perfect summit and had a yummy picnic before descending in the forest! Awesome!

A beautiful sunset from the Cabanes des Vignettes. This is a cabane on the famous Haute Route Tour that goes from Chamonix through Verbier and ends in Zermatt. Everyone should see a sunset from a cabane in their lives.

A super happy day guiding the TSR/RSR (swiss radio-tv) group in Les Diablerets. There is snow, to their amazement. Yes, we have had 60% less precipitation in the Swiss Alps this month of February!

A ski tour in the wonderful valley of La Fouly. Sun, sun, sun! Will it snow again???

I am sure that the Norwegian Spruces having soooo many pine cones means something....

The female seed of the alder - a tree that can lie horizontally under the snow all winter and pop up vertically once the snow has melted! Nature is cool!

Ok...I am going to stop now, and give you a day to go out and play before continuing! Happy snowshoeing!

Where have I been?!

2011-03-03T15:07:00.000+01:00

So here it is March 3rd already! And I have not been posting my outings, no I have not fallen over on my snowshoes and hurt myself, but I better get started before winter ends & I put away my snowshoes!
As such I will give you a quick recap of what has been happening at CherriesWalks.

January was busy in Verbier with sunny skies and gorgeous snow. There were lots of snowshoe hare prints to see. And I am sure lots are still laughing about my imitation hops of their movements...!

I also took the time to snowshoe in the icebox of the freezer in a hidden valley on the way to Chamonix.

I was really lucky and got to be on Swiss National TV, prime time news. The TSR 19:30 came and snowshoed with me at the 1st Salon de la raquette. It was awesome to snowshoe with views of the Muverans & Dents du Midi. We even saw the Chateau d'Oex ballons the sky was so clear!

Salon de la Raquette - Champoussin

2011-01-28T12:06:00.000+01:00

A quick moment to let you know what is happening this week-end. Free outings in Champoussin with me or another fabulous local Mountain Leader! You get to try snowshoeing for free while learning something in one of the many nature walks available.

It is gonna be a blast. There are prizes to win...such as free ski days in the Portes du Soleil! Families, beginers, avid outdoors people! All are welcome!
Come and enjoy a vin chaud at least and check out the awesome photos and conferences going on!
See you there!!

New Year's Snowshoe

2011-01-01T15:53:00.003+01:00

HAPPY 2011 FROM CHERRIES!
May you have lots of sparkles and happiness and laughs and sillyness this year!

Snowshoeing Secret Spot of Verbier!

2010-12-29T15:44:00.000+01:00

The sun was just comming up over the ridge when we put on our snowshoes! What a magnificient morning shuffling around in the wild hare tracks with the trees fully laden with frozen snow. It is always worth getting up to snowshoe, no matter how cold, tired or whatever one may be! Happy end of 2010.

Commeire Mountain Alternative

2010-12-19T08:23:00.004+01:00

The season is starting off with a bang! This guy definitely nailed his wife with the fresh snow on the branch he shook over her head! Not sooooo cold out today, but the snow is light and fluffy with tons of animal tracks. We even were lucky enough to see a chamois run accross a field below us. Ahhh, makes it all worth it!

If you were to drill a hole in Bruson you would land in Commeire, a little 'hammeau' above Orsiere which offers authentic overnights in the original wooden houses of the area. They have all been renovated by Mountain Alternative in tasteful ways to be as welcoming and cosy as possible. As you can see plenty of fire wood around here.

A chardon baromètre taking a rest in the snow after a hot summer!

Snowshoe with Bjorn Borg!

2010-12-18T08:17:00.002+01:00

Minus 22 degrees at 2000 meters is the forecast for today. Well it was right! Bundle up! I was called up to go guiding with the tennis champion Borg! Of course I got an indelible pen out and was all ready to ask him to sign my snowshoes (get it? Raquettes à neige, pas raquettes de tenis). Thought it would be a first for him. As it turned out, he was not here at all, but the company who makes his clothes, which you can admire on here on the couches at the Nevaï in Verbier, were having their end of year trip. Hahaha! But it was definitely cold!

Homemade sparkle lotion!

2010-12-15T10:52:00.005+01:00

Cherries Walks 100% natural fun produces a festive facial cream!

It is minus a lot of degrees out, and my skin is feeling the effects of it. Snowshoeing every day for a few hours in Verbier's cold snap has given my runny nose a bit of a dry & redish tone, so this morning I got out the oils I prepared over the summer. I mixed together some lavender and calendula oils to organic beeswax and voilà: homemade face cream! Not very complicated, but you have to take the time to do it. As the festive season is right around the corner I added in a new dimension with some sparkles! Yahooo! So if you see me looking like a firework you'll know why!

Organic gifts

2010-12-10T10:53:00.005+01:00

CherriesWalks 100% natural fun mixes herbs for cooking, teas, oils, vinegars & baths. Take advantage of this original and organic happy idea. Otherwise I get to use up all the goodies I have taken the summer to pick and dry! Pictured here is a mixture for cooking of origano (leaves & flowers), thym (leaves & flowers), calendula petals, rosemary & sage. YUM! Every mix is different as the ingredients vary in supply thanks to mother nature's quirks.

CherriesWalks Snowshoe News!

2010-11-22T11:52:00.010+01:00

Good news today! Not only is it duuuumping gorgeous white huge flakes outside, but I have revised my snowshoeing rates to make the outings more affordable for all!

I am excited to offer half day rates of CHF 90.- per person & day rates of CHF 120.- per person for groups of minimum 3 people!

The price includes snowshoes, poles & avalanche tranceiver rental, which you don't need to worry about because I provide all those. All you have to do is show up wearing waterproof boots with ankle support and 'hop!' off we go!

Prices & Conditions of CherriesWalks outings

Les Diablerets

2010-11-06T10:08:00.004+01:00

An exceptional automn day! The area we chose to walk in changed constantly. We started off in a forest that was dark and chilly, but soon the temperature & scenery morphed as we entered an area of long grasses caressed by the sun. As we stopped to peek at views that were hiding from us, we observed the passage of the glaciers in the area. Walks like this are always fun as you can see so much variety in the warmth of the sun and the vegetation.

The path emerged into a clearing with cows grazing under the imposing mountains and the frost melted into vapour. We took a break at a magical spot with tipis and had a hot cup of tea and some cakes before continuing on to Les Diablerets.

Walking was never so easy!

2010-11-02T16:59:00.001+01:00

Just standing on the val de Bagnes!

Rapperswil

2010-10-30T17:36:00.002+02:00

It was a good thing we went to visit the old town of Rapperswil. The big clock on the medieval church reminded me that not only was tomorrow Halloween and spooky, but that the clocks were changing to winter time! A very beautiful place on the Zurich lake. Sometimes we forget to stop in places and just drive past them. I cannot wait to come back here when it is warmer and check out their rose gardens. They plant over 16'000 roses and have about 600 different types!

Grindelwald pass-time

2010-10-29T17:29:00.002+02:00

I was so psyched! I took the kids to a curling class! I would describe this sport as the equivalent of pétanque, bowling, archery and house cleaning on ice rinks. You have to sliiiiide the rock to the center of the bull's eye. Certainly don't try to pick it up, as it weighs more than most people! And you definitely do not want to break one, as it will cost you CHF 700.- to pay for a new one. This is serious business! Oh and it is slippery and cold too! I recommend this to anyone who has the time to try it. The kids actually did not look at their phones or games for the hour we spent here (well, maybe there was no wifi connection on the rink!?!)

Kleine Scheidegg

2010-10-28T17:13:00.002+02:00

From Lauterbrunnen we rode the train up to Wengen and on up to the Kleine Scheidegg to be overpowered by the North Face of the Eiger. Wow! It really is impressive! I was looking for the 'window' where climbers go. I only saw it once we were on the Grindelwald side. The Monch & Jungfrau were looking gorgeous too wearing a fresh layer of snow.
There was lots of fresh snow here. But we still went for a wander and made a cute snowman. The weather was cloudy at first, but cleared up. Interestingly enough it stayed clear until we boarded the train to descend to Grindelwald.
I am not sure if the dog drank what is in her barrel or if the tourists just tired her out with all their petting and photo taking! This part of Switzerland is on its off-season at the moment, getting ready to rock n' roll for winter, so travelling around at this time of year is a bit tricky sometimes. Regardless, there were lots of people around.

Is that the Matterhorn?

2010-10-26T17:05:00.003+02:00

A perfect bluebird sky! We took the train up the Gornergrat and checked out all the fresh snow. I wish I would have had my snowshoes with me!! The views from up here are just amazing. I got some great views of the 4000 meter peak I had gone up earlier this spring on the border with Italy, the ParrotSpitz.

The Gornergletscher is the 3rd longest in Switzerland, I have to admit I am not sure what the 2nd one is...does anyone know? A picnic in the snow and a few snowballs later it was time to go back to Zermatt where the streets had turned into perfect ice skating rinks!

Dumpin' in Zermatt!

2010-10-25T17:02:00.003+02:00

Soooo much snow falling in Zermatt! It was difficult to walk around. So took refuge in the Zermattlantis Museum. Really interesting place to spend time. Tells the history of climbing the Matterhorn. Take the time to check out their shoes!! Yikes!

CherriesWalks in the city!

2010-10-24T18:29:00.003+02:00

A week of fabulous weather in Paris, cold but sunny. It was interesting to have 41 kids to keep an eye on. The metro system has never seemed quite so vast... And crossing streets with lights can get exciting too. It is definitely easier to walk looking behind me in the mountains, here I was walking into happy Parisians.

The Only real guiding that required my Mountain Leader knowledge was when I climbed down the 700 steps of the Eiffel Tower!
Very odd looking vegetation in Paris!

Orientering course

2010-10-16T19:47:00.001+02:00

What a perfect day for orientering, it was snowing and foggy all day! Wet maps, compasses, rapex's and cold fingers.

Champex Lac Belvedere

2010-10-13T10:34:00.003+02:00

Fall is just sooooo beautiful! We hiked up in the forest poking what in French are called 'pet de loup' mushrooms to watch the spores float in the sun. The fun part of this hike is seeing so many different types of pine trees and being able to differentiate them by the time you get to the top and eat some wild blueberries! The view down onto Champex is impressive as are the views back towards Verbier and the Pierre Avoir, including the Combins & Vélan. The hike down gets a bit steep and slippery on the pine needles, but it ends just when it should, as it is tiring to think for every step! Apart from a squirel we didn't see any wildlife. Just a gorgeous day to be out!

St.Moritz & Corvatsch

2010-10-10T10:05:00.001+02:00

We locked up the bikes, put on our doudounnes and took the lift to the top of the Piz Nair above St.Moritz. There we were above the cloud cover with a view of all the grand Piz summits above 3000m. We could see the Suvretta Pass in the clouds so hung out for a coffee in the warm sun before heading down to bike to it. Funnily enough we were warmer up there than down below! The ride was AWESOME!

We rode down a single track 1000 meters to Bever, through rocks and pastures. The valley was definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The larches are changing colors and breathtaking. The water running in the rivers is remarkable green-blue (not really sure what any of the colors were!) It was like riding through a caleidescope!

Silvaplana to Bernina Pass

2010-10-09T19:09:00.003+02:00

Off we went for 8 hours of non-stop adventure mountain biking. We left Silvaplana and rode through the gorgeous forest of golden larches and reddening myrtilles bushes up to the Bernina Pass where the cloud cover got so thick we didn't even realize that there was a lake next to us. Thanks to the map and the dam we knew it was there! We rode over the dam instead of riding down to Poschiavio in the white-out. The descent into Pontresina was beautiful with views onto the Morterasch glacier in the sun. The people around here are not kidding with their paths, I have never seen or imagined anything quite like this. They are definitely made by the Swiss - they have removed every rock and root possible! I still managed to fall over though... Then we rode by the lake in St. Moritz in the freezing winds that make it so popular for kite surfing in the summer. We quickly got away from the lake and rode in the forest above - adding a few more huffing & puffing episodes to an already long day. Epic!

Bivio to Rocabella summit

2010-10-07T19:01:00.002+02:00

Woohooo! After 3 hours in the car all the way around Switzerland in the fog we had to stretch & get some air. We hiked up to a summit at 2727m with amazing water flowing all over the ridges and glaciers to be glimpsed through the near V-shaped valleys. Absolutely the place to have an intense geology course where you can see limestone & granite summits and the action of glaciers and permafrost without needing to imagine it all.

The Château de Verbier

2010-10-06T11:05:00.004+02:00

What a view back into the upper val de Bagnes!
Here is a spot in Verbier that is often overlooked and completely missed by most people. Even following the signs it is not obvious to everyone, and one can easily wander right passed it! The château was not a castle, but more of a look-out tower over the valley and the 360 degree views are astounding. All that remains today is a re-built rock wall of ruins. The hike is fun on the ledge between St. Christophe Chapel and the Pierre Avoir.

Col de Mille over Bruson

2010-10-03T18:58:00.002+02:00

Ahhh, the hills were alive with the sounds of blueberry bushes hibernating. Gorgeous day with the Foehn (warm wind) blowing. The Rogneux was freshly snowed on from this past week and looking happy to see us at its base. The cows were taken down and it seemed quiet hiking around without the sound of their bells.

Gentiane picking - Gentiana lutea

2010-10-02T18:40:00.003+02:00

So today I did not go home to pick the grapes of my childhood, but chose to make a new kind of booze: gentiane! We set off early and drove up above tree line to find where the yellow gentiane grows. Funily enough it grows in Verbier thanks to the Pierre Avoi which is limestone and this plant that can attain 2 meters is a fan of limestone.
We got out the pick-axes and dug out the roots which can weigh up to 7-8 kilos. They are hard to extract whole as they break off easily. Once we decided we had enough to go blind with, we cleaned them and cut them. Then we filled up a 60 liter bucket with them and put a hermetical lid on them. In a few days we will cover them with water and a bit less than a kilo of sugar. They will bathe in a shady spot till February when they will take a trip to the distillery and be made into the alcohol. And voilà, santé!

I kept some roots to dry out and make into powder for teas. Medicinally this queen of sourness has been traditionally used as a general tonic and stimilant for the stomach. It contributes to our natural defenses and builds up our white blood cells. It is used for gastric troubles and loss of apetite, or to revive a tired organism.

CherriesWalks at the New England Patriots Stadium

2010-10-01T20:27:00.002+02:00

Am not sure when this was taken, but it is a keeper in the Hall of CherriesWalks t-shirt photos!
Qu'est-ce qu'elle est belle la belle soeur! I sure hope the team you were rooting for won Steph! Thanks!

Dent de Jaman

2010-09-29T12:34:00.000+02:00

Sometimes it is worth hiking up in the shade, mud, snow, and the steep polished slippery limestone to get to the top! We had a wonderful view into Gruyères and tried to figure out all the Vanil summits, not sure we acheived it...but it was fun trying! The Rochers de Naye were covered in a cold blanket of fresh snow, but the sight of the lake lying in the sun below us made us chipper and we couldn't help feeling as though we were on vacation! After a delicious bowl of pumpkin soupe and local tomme (soooo yummmmmmy) we discovered the château of la Tour-de-Peilz and the old town of Vevey.

The locals build their roofs with wooden slates that are called 'tavillons'. I was lucky last year and saw them in action making one. These roofs are increadibly effecient, certainly as this area is not particularily dry or warm.

Snow all the way to Verbier

2010-09-26T21:27:00.004+02:00

Today the first snow flakes of the season crept into town. It stuck up higher so we went to check it out. It surprised a few flowers that are still happy to be out. The heavy snow on the leaves of the fireweed (épilobes) and the alders (vernes) really made some interesting intricate designs that were worth admiring.

We roamed around in the clouds and got our feet a bit wet as we had to walk in the fresh crunch of snow! Ahhh, wonderful feeling! The frozen grasses on the hills of Savoleyeres were magical. I need to start polishing the snowshoes, but first I have to make pesto out of the basil I picked out of the garden in fear of it getting ruined from the cold. Yep, this snow surprises gardens too!

Bisse in Verbier to Croix de Coeur

2010-09-22T15:59:00.000+02:00

What a day to spend with fifty 11 year olds! They were amazing walkers and caught tons of crickets (yep, they know the difference between grasshoppers and crickets for sure now! Do you?). We hiked through the forest along the bisse de Levron, which had lots of water in it. The water was dirty, which once we got to the cows we figured out why! And then we climbed up to Croix de Coeur for a picnic. After checking out the views and the fresh snow on the Ruinette at the end of the valley, we took off down to the Marlenaz and back into Verbier. The weather was just beautiful!

Hiking in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve

2010-09-21T16:04:00.009+02:00

Starting in the col des Montets we did a tour up and around the cliffs of Chéserys. The views were just crazzzzzy over onto the Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, Mont Blanc, and the glacier du Tour, Argentière and Mer de Glace (to mention the BIG ones). The ladders are part of the Tour du Mont Blanc, and are definitely the more sane way to get your knees up to the Flégère area than climbing up the way we went down, by the lake of Remuaz. Although the trails around here are kept in tip top shape.

But thanks to the way down we got to see some bouquetins (ibex) up close. We also got to listen to the mothers and children calling each other. Was exceptional!

Eating wild food

2010-09-16T16:43:00.004+02:00

In the woods you can still find lots of yummy things to eat at this time of year. A mix of wild myrtilles, rasberries, strawberris, and airelles were turned into a fine desert of a couly on meringues artisanales made with raisinée.
The yarrow, wild thym, lady's mantle, colt's foot leaves and plantain were made into a beautiful garden on pain de seigle.

Riederalp

2010-09-12T18:24:00.003+02:00

We hiked through the most amazing landscape where the Grosse Altesche Glacier used to be only 80 years ago! The forest was absolutely amazing! I really recommend it to everyone. The Pro Natura soceity has chosen to let this area be as prestine as possible and make itself into what it will. Really a unique spot. We crossed that insane bridge that they built to make one feel as though they are in Nepal. And let me tell you, I didn't see many faces looking super comfortable on it. 940 meters long and hiiiiigh off the ground, enough to make your birscher floppy! The Villa Cassel at the top is the home of Pro Natura, and it is worth checking out the expo they have on nature here.

Oberaletschhutte

2010-09-11T18:19:00.001+02:00

Sunrise on the glacier from the Oberaletschhutte. A beautiful day walk up to the hut from Belalp. As the glacier is going down 10 meters per year, with a whopping 16 meters in 2003, the hike has been 'moved' to solid ground. You used to access the cabane from the glacier and some ladders which were becoming ridiculously long...

Tour du Grand Chavelard

2010-09-08T09:34:00.003+02:00

We couldn't get our arms around this larch which must be at least 400 years old! But we did make it around the Grand Chavelard (2899m) in about 5 hours.

Just driving the road up above Fully to Chiboz is enough to get excited! The hike around the Grand Chavelard is fabulous, the views are breathtaking and the wind was definitely refreshing! After passing under the south face cliffs with the flat Rhone valley below, we entered the realm of the Lacs de Fully. Beautiful blue alpine lakes shinning in the sky with the original view onto the Dents de Morcles and the West cliffs of the Chavelard - where you can see the cross at the summit. Then you pass over the col de Fenestral and descend into Ovronnaz's ski area and hang right to come back around into a beautiful old larch forest with lots of tasty rasberries to pick!
Yep, that is the Pierre Avoi.

Tettigonia viridissima - Big Green Grasshopper!

2010-09-07T09:51:00.001+02:00

She is laying her eggs in the only spot she could find - between the road and a stone wall, the joint has a bit of earth for her to plant her rear into and lay her babies. The next morning I found her run over with a bunch of rather large black things around her and realized that those were eggs she had not lain yet. Well I hope she laid most of them... Nature is amazing, yet fragile
For more info: http://www.insectes-net.fr/locuste/locuste3.htm

Hunting myrtilles

2010-09-05T09:03:00.001+02:00

Yum Yum, the season is bountiful! So many little berries waiting to be eaten! It really is a pleasure to wander off the beaten paths to pick myrtilles (alpine blueberries) and get close to an array of insects and flowers. Once I looked up I realized I was in a field of arnica! And if you are silent and patient enough you might even have a deer and her baby walk right by you!

Mont Gond

2010-09-03T08:48:00.000+02:00

We opted out of hiking up the Haut de Cry - as apparently the rock is very unstable and should be done when the ground is frozen so you can get footholds in! It turned out to be a great idea to walk around the Mont Gond which is in between Derborence & the col du Sanetsch. We started off in the cow fields and soon found ourselves in a 'lapiaz' - a carsistic formation of limestone which has been worked-out by the elements (mainly water). Just overhead we had a juvenile gypaète flying in the bright blue sky! What a wing span, even for a young one!! Then up and over the col to the other side which was really a lunar pile of shale with massive rivulets from rainstorms.

Then it was picnic time with 25 to 30 bouquetins females with their young ones eating as well, the males with their huge horns were lying in the sun watching it all. The views were stupendous, the whole range of Valaisan Alpes from the Monte Leone to the Matterhorn, Grand Combin all the way to the Mont Blanc on one side; and the Sanetsch area to the Diablerets and Muverans - wow!

Barage de Mauvoisin

2010-09-01T17:39:00.004+02:00

Went out for an original tour from Mauvoisin up to the Pierre à Vire which brings you around to a plunging view down onto the entire lac de Mauvoisin. Up to then the view is astounding and one we do not see too often with the hanging Glacier de Giétro and the Grand Tavé's East face. Then back down to the écuries, where a big white dog was tending to the cows, just in case we were wolves come to get a free meal. The mountain tops are white and beautiful, but it is a bit chilly out. Hopefully it doesnt mean the end of shorts yet! Stopped in at the Hotel de Mauvoisin which has been recently renovated by the commune. They have done an excellent job, the rooms and dinning areas are spotless and the terrace is lovely. A nice day, close to home!

CherriesWalks goes for a 4* flight!

2010-08-26T09:51:00.000+02:00

What an exceptional day! Off in a helicopter for just under an hour to view the Swiss Alps - oh and all the rest of them too as there was not a cloud in the sky! Wowwwy!
Took off from Sion with Jean-Daniel (Heli Alps). He took us into the valley of Herens and grazed the arrête of the Veisivi before taking us up the Glacier du Mont Miné and above the tops of the Tête Blanche, Dent d'Hérens, and the Matterhorn which had 2 people on the top (as well as 80 other avid climbers coming up the ridge!!) Then we did a few 360s to show off and plunged into the seracs of the Glacier de Moiry (literally!) The lac de Moiry was stunning. And poof! Back at home base! AMAZING!

Now this was the most unusual view of the Matterhorn for me! Can anyone guess which glacier this is?

Finished it all off with a 4* picnic in the delightful forest above the Bisse in Savièse. Lots of mushrooms for the trolls to hide in here. Vive les mariés!

CherriesWalks t-shirts

2010-08-25T09:56:00.004+02:00

Now the fun begins!

These t-shirts are in Verbier on top of the Pierre Avoir, but are going to go live in Australia!

All you lucky t-shirt owners need to send me a foto of you in fun, exotic, happy places wearing it! And if you don't have one yet, get one of the few I still have!