Gurnigel-Gantrisch Snowshoe Tour -- Take 2

Hello again!
Some things take a while, but here's the second part of my post about a stunning snowshoe hike around the Gantrisch, in the Bernese pre-Alps. The date was December 22, 2007. Remember this one from the end of the first post? It shows a leisurely ascent towards a beautiful viewpoint about half an hour from Morgeten-Pass. Superb conditions!
No matter how many people have walked across a slope, there's always a risk of a "Schneebrett" (snow board, the avalanche's little sister, as in this photo) or even a full-blown avalanche. It's silly to cross an exposed flank across the middle. Either stick to the bottom, or go in at the top, where not much snow has been deposited. If in doubt, don't go in at all. I felt very safe with our experienced guide, but even guides are not all-knowing or infallible.Not far to go now to Morgeten-Pass. An unusual view of the Buerglen and its dark striations.
This is the viewpoint -- the Simmental below right and centre; the Niesenkette centre left; the major peaks of the Alps on the horizon. Below: Morgeten-Pass. A very steep descent awaits; we'll decide to take our snowhoes off and stow them away in our packs while we shuss down on our bums. Exhilarating!
The shadows are fast rising up the mountain sides; we're about fifteen minutes away from Untere Gantrischhütte.
The "Bire" (pear), a very popular little mountain within fairly easy reach on skinned skis from Untere Gantrischhütte. Our guide, Jörg, decided to let us do the last fifteen minutes of the descent by ourselves while he raced uphill to our point of departure to fetch his 4x4 in which he would ferry us back up the boring hill.
We waited for maybe ten minutes and enjoyed a comfortable, if slightly cramped, ride uphill to Gurnigel Berghaus. Jessy was snug in her secure case.
Hugely enjoyable hike -- thank you, Jörg of Berg-Event (http://berg-event.ch)!