Mountain Tracks Swiss 4

While I was not involved with repairing mountain tracks on this trip, I did marvel at some of the work being carried out to make very steep paths safer to walk on. One section which I visited on the way down to view a glacier was being repaired. The previously precipitous path was being changed into a winding way . This required the construction of retaining walls which supported the improved track. The path itself was pitched with large rocks set vertically into the surface. Although some loose stone was available most of the rocks needed were being delivered by helicopter. A tricky and very noisy business.

Another interesting feature were the Kaffer Stein (Beetle Stones) ,these are placed at the side of the paths when the track is running along a mountain side. The purpose of these rocks which are set every two or three metres is to mark the edge when the path is covered with snow.