Its hard to tell whats the most beautiful season in the Alps.  Autumn is pretty nice, though, and so we took Cecilia, Denis, Laura, and Karin Tompkins up to Champery.

The primary objective was to climb the via ferrata, which means 'iron way'.  In practice, what it means is that a steep rock face has been equipped with cables so that people without much special equipment can climb.  Here, Mason and I gear up.

Everyone checked out - the group is on the way.

Here, Karin crosses the first cable bridge without any trouble.

And here Lyell can be seen on the second.

Mason too enjoys the bridge.  Of course the father is extra pleased to see that nice firm handhold on the cable.

And that nice big smile on the boy.

Cecilia and Karin both conquer the first sheer ascent.

With Denis not far behind, and Lyell offering encouragement from above.

The climb had a nice feature, which is called the bear cave.  Its hard to see, but there is a family of stuffed bears living in the cave to greet climbers.

Having made it to the top, Lyell just cant stop climbing so he's off into a tree.

Together with Laura.

And having finished the climb, here is Karin with a big smile of .... relief, accomplishment?  You be the judge.

And all too soon, we have to head back down again.

What a day.  Wow.  Thank you all.