Let the torches light the way

By Cheryl French 

Maryville College students hike down the mountain by torchlight. 

Exhausted from a day spent exploring the breathtaking peak of Mount Titlus, Maryville College students returned back to the hotel to defrost and prepare for dinner. Once ready, the students traveled together through winding roads in a heavy snowfall to a small, homey restaurant nestled onto the side of the mountain. The restaurant overlooked the city of Engleberg, illuminated by streetlights down below. Students spend their time here laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying a home cooked a traditional German meal with one another. A light dessert soon followed, a rich chocolate and plum ice cream made with delicious Swiss milk and topped with a perfectly complimentary amount of whipped cream. 

Homemade chocolate and plumb icecream 

After enjoying their time and filling their hungry stomachs, it was time for the trek back to the hotel. Starting from the restaurant isolated on the side of the mountain, students were given the option to light torches and walk through the snow-covered woods back home. Torches lit the way through the enchanting woods and winding paths, leading back down the side of the mountain. Heart aglow like the flame of the torch, the students took in the gorgeous scenery just barely illuminated on their way. One student observed possible fox prints in the snow, suggesting a furry friend may have been watching their journey from afar. The bitter cold air had no effect on the students as they all excitedly ventured on toward home. Adding to the excitement they then veered from the path and began running free through a field of knee-deep snow. All in all, the adventure took approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Cold noses and cheeks accompanied them to their arrival back at the hotel in the middle of the small town of Engelberg. 

the view of Engelberg from the mountain trail at night