sad day

June 28 Realp-Interlaken by train

Well it turns out that my poison ivy was improving, but suddenly took a turn for the worst. Nate suggested that today we take the train to Interlaken so that we could find a doctor and get me some prednisone. I was not excited by this news because today was supposed to take us over two gorgeous passes overlooking some glaciers. After some convincing, we decided to get on a series of trains to get to Interlaken. (They don’t even have a train over the second pass that we were going to ride) Our first train was a train to Olberwald. We actually had to walk on the tracks to get onto the train with our bike. Behind us was a procession of people in their cars who were just driving onto the train to get to the next station. After that train, we needed to get on a train to Brig, but this train station made us buy two tickets for our bike and then we had to put our gear in a storage car without seats that also ended up being where we would stay for the train ride. Nate had to hold the bike the entire time so it didn’t fall over and we both ended up sitting on the floor. In Brig we got on a train to Spiez. This was after some confusion about bus platform numbers and such. We can’t quite figure out the train system in Switzerland yet. It doesn’t always seem that their trains are going where they say or at the time they say. Maybe we just don’t know how to read Swiss. Anyways, we ended up where we needed to be and rode our bikes the final 20k into our campground in Interlaken. The first order of business was finding me a doctor. While Nate was talking to the owner of the campgroung about where we could find help, our front tire just decided to go flat giving us our first flat of the trip. Once we got the information we needed about grocery stores, doctors, and camp sites, we set up camp and hightailed it into town. After about 5 circles of town to try to find the pharmacist, we finally found him. The next step was convincing him that I needed Prednisone tablets. Thankfully, most of these people speak English and even know the terms in English. He probably thought I was just another American after any drug to fix any ailment that might cause discomfort. However, I tried to let my body heal itself, but after nine days and a trial of cortisone cream, I need some serious help. The pharmacist was very hesitant to give me the tablets even after seeing my blistered arm. He was probably a little dumbfounded too that my rash was caused by a plant since I don’t think they have poison ivy in Switzerland. Since my arm wasn’t enough to convince him that Prednisone tablets were really necessary I showed him my back and stomach as well. This made quite the impression and with much regret, he gave me a box of tablets with some very meager dosage instructions. We thank God that we were able to find medicine for me without a doctor and without very much trouble. Even though my condition has not gotten much better, my mood has improved tremendously. It’s amazing what a little bit of hope in your life can do for you…
Once we got me figured out, we went grocery shopping because we discovered that our campground has a kitchen! This is the first kitchen we’ve even seen in a month. For our first real meal we made burritos. Nate had five and I had three. It was great. We also have big plans for a hearty breakfast including potatoes and eggs. (No more of this European bread and cheese thing). After dinner, we’re going to watch some World Cup action with a bunch of Europeans. So much fun.
Besides the wonderful kitchen, chance for healing, and camaraderie, Nate and I think we may spend a few days here to see all that we want to of Interlaken. We have spent quite a bit more money on camping than we had hoped, but there is something about a nice shower and bathroom that just seems necessary when you have poison ivy. Anyways, today has been a long day and we are looking forward to the next few days.
~20k
Mo