In the Swiss Nature Park “Thal” between Balsthal and Gänsbrunnen in Solothurn canton, a project has been launched to reintroduce and later release the European Bison back to the wild. We visited on New Year’s Eve alongside a loop hike through Wolf gulley and Bear cave.

December brought ice, slate and snow and a bit of sunshine in the mix.

driving through the rocky desert of the Sinai peninsula

After adjusting to the local customs and diving conditions along the shore, the 2nd day of diving proved to be more spectacular, with more tiny critters in front of the camera.

… and took the opportunity to profit from the ample choice of dive centers to do a few shore dives along a still fairly diverse reef, although I am not sure whether the diving here is so much better than in better known Hurghada (although everyone local here claims of course that Dahab is the best spot for diving in the world!).

Back in Egypt (again!), this time for an extended stay during the climate conference COP27. Given the hotel situation and the inflexibility of the arrangements on site, I had to find alternate accommodation for a few days and took the opportunity to stay in the smaller coastal town of Dahab.

enabled me to take a final GS Adventure bike trip around the northern fringes of the Jura mountains in Switzerland with a nice sunset at the end and a cold ride home.

Enjoyed a sunny, late autumn day out in Wallis to complete two bike trips, one on each side of the main valley of Wallis: Col de Cou near Sion and Jeizinen bike near the famous Lötschberg tunnel main connection to the “Üsserschwiiz” main Swiss region.

The sun came out between the mountain flanks and the scattered clouds and led to fantastic, colorful panoramic views.

Following a sportive mountain bike outing in a Fribourg bike park, I circled Lac de Gruyère for some nice fall perspectives.