By Bike

Day 9 (12th August) – Sarstein.

Rest day. A much needed sleep in and a slow day. A wonderful walk in the woods, lunch at a lovely ‘log cabin’ restaurant and a delicious swim in the fast flowing river.

Also time to ponder these magnificent mountains and their origin. It is a long geological story. According to the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, about 44 million years ago relentless and powerful pressures from the south first formed the Pyrenees and then the Alps to heights approaching the present-day Himalayas. These tectonic forces lasted until about 9 million years ago. Since then erosive forces have gnawed away making the Alps the shape we see today.

There is also the renowned legend about how the Alps were created during a football match played by the ancient Gods.

The story goes that in a fierce game between Gods representing Italy and France, scores were level by the end of normal play. During extra time Italy attempted a daring and sophisticated in-swinger kick of Sicily (which in mythological times was more rounded) between Sardinia and Algeria aiming for the goals at the Strait of Gibraltar.

Italy missed the shot but in the process gave a giant knee shove right into France’s midriff. This caused a spasm and protuberance in the shape of Mont Blanc and a ripple of mountains south to the Mediterranean and east to Albania. And so the Alps were born.

(France won in a penalty shoot-out).

I was reminded of this legend as we meandered back from our swim and saw ominous storm clouds brewing. That night we had an almighty downpour, spectacular light show and thunder so loud and close that it shook the van. It sounded like the Gods playing football!