Martin and I have done an appalling job trying to arrange meeting up over the previous year. We made promises and vows to improve on that terrible record and within days had managed to set up a meeting a couple of hours away by train.
Lausanne was the chosen venue as it was a beautiful location on lake Geneva and had the International Olympic museum to visit!
We were met on arrival at the main train station by the majority of the Walsh clan who were available to join us that day. Missing in action were Arthur and Celestine. Next time!
After all the hugs, kissing (3 per person greeting) and rhetorical questions such as "Why are your offspring taller than you?" followed immediately by "What are you feeding them?" kind of stuff we headed down to lake Geneva.
As it was lunchtime we had a picnic by the lake and boats, allowing for some time for the adults to chat and catch up and while watching the kids run around.
The kids spotted the boat rentals and engaged in an intense negotiation period for some water sports! After discovering the likely costs and fees per rental and how many pieces of equipment would be required we gave in. We split into 2 groups as each boat could not hold more than 5 - even allowing for small children, taking 2 power-boats out on to the lake to stay cool and see the local scenery. We rented these boats for an hour from a company on shoreline called Pedalino
We rented the Bateau Sport category of boat they were peddling.
Here are some photos from boat #1
At a top speed of about 2.25 knots and about 1 mile from the shore, people disrobed and jumped into the warm lake and splashed about for a bit.
Here are some photos from boat #2
Since we only had an hour of cruise time we headed back, narrowly avoiding a large ferry who insisted on using the same turning point as us. And unlikely as it seems had about the same turning circle capacity as ours, just at a much greater speed. Luckily we escaped the jaws of death but bounced around in the wash for a few minutes.
Back on shore we headed for a short walk to the Olympic Museum.
After all the Olympic history and celebrations the kids needed to get home, so we parted ways until another mid-point location and schedules align once more.
Our kids were in need of nourishment and would not last the 2 hour return train ride. A local Italian restaurant suited our hunger and thirst!
On the return journey we enjoyed the evening views of lake Geneva!
