I've cycled numerous times between Biel/Bienne and Neuchatel. It's about a 20 mile flat ride along Lake Biel/Bienne and Lake Neuchâtel. This time I'm heading up along mountains which should add a dozen or so more miles.
In this photo that's Biel/Bienne below. I keep writing Biel/Bienne why? It's a bilingual city (French/German) and its name was officially changed to Biel/Bienne in 2005. In previous blogs of the city I've posted photos of street signs. Why? Street names are in both languages which makes for very large and long signs.
After snapping the previous photo I look to the right and spot this cat ladder stretching up along the side of an apartment building. Better take a closer look.
Wow, if I was a cat and made my way either up or down the twisty ladder---I'd be dizzy at the end.
Cycling through the village of Orvin (population 1,000).
The entire farming village of Nods, population 700, is part of the inventory of Swiss Heritage sites.
Occupying the main intersection of Nods is the Hotel du Cheval Blanc--which translates to White Horse hotel. Hmm, I wonder if horse is on the restaurant menu.
Here's the menu posted outside the hotel. Don't see horse meat listed. Actually it's pretty common to see horse meat on the menu. I've tried it and it's good.
So, look behind the salmon-colored building. See the transmission tower sticking out? That's where I'm heading. The route is closed during the winter.
I'm almost to the mountain pass. Way in the distance on the left is Lake Biel/Bienne and to the right Lake Neuchâtel.
Top of the pass (Col du Chasseral).
Coming down the backside of the pass I see about a dozen hikers making their way up.
Cycling through the Val-de-Ruz valley I pass a tiny hamlet and spot this place. Is it a castle?
There's no plaque or historical markers. I do some research and it's Borcarderie Castle. Back in 1583 the site included a sawmill and a mill (flour).
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