Martigny - 21 April 2024

21.04 - Martigny

We didn’t get moved on - mega bonus! and had another peaceful sleep. 

Was chilly this morning 5° - not sure it’s really improved during the day!

I drove today, only about 50 minutes - easy driving, roundabouts and fairly straight roads! We left signs for ‘Ausfahrt’ behind and saw ‘Sortie’ instead - must be back in the French speaking part!

Martigny is described as the cultural and historical centre of the Lower Valais - I’m sure it’s a lovely place to be - when it’s not cold and raining! Prior research had led me to believe there were a few places I wanted to see…

We started off at The Barry Foundation (CHF22 including discount for the older one 😉). In summary - about St Bernard dogs 😊

In 1049, an Augustine monk, St Bernard de Menthon, established a monastery and hospice for travelers and pilgrims at the highest point of the passage between the Swiss and Italian Alps, the 2,469m high Great Saint Bernard Pass. Mountain rescue dogs (St Bernards) were bred here from the mid 17th century, and helped save the lives of some 2,000 travelers in the following two centuries. Their sturdy bodies and broad chests helped them force a path through the snow, while their reliable sense of direction enabled them to find their way home. 

Barry I lived at the Hospice from 1800 to 1812, and was the most famous of all the rescue dogs - he alone saved the lives of more than 40 people - and hence the current name. 

They started breeding here in 1994 - and the picture shows all the dogs born since. I’d just like to add - photos were really difficult to take with white writing on a shiny green background…

There’s also lots of work going on at the moment - mega upgrades!

We started off by actually seeing the dogs. Was really quite busy - maybe a wet Sunday is good for their business!

The dogs seem so docile. They’re alert when the staff go near them, but probably fed up with tourists unless they get a good head scratch. They’ve access to the outdoors, they’re walked, go pulling a sled, go searching for objects, do tricks and brain games, get groomed daily and have massage to help their mobility. Later when we went back (without all the children) we saw a lady grooming one of the large males and had a chat. The males weigh up to 80 kg, and the bitches about 65 kg. They try to kept them lean so that their mobility isn’t restricted. They live for about 12 years. They’re trained from an early age, and visit places like retirement and nursing homes, schools and are used to support children and young people in difficult situations. Demand is increasing as therapists observe that their patients make more rapid progress during therapy sessions with the animals. 

Went upstairs to the museum. We both found it really interesting - everything from Canons, to Hannibal, to Bonaparte, to eau-de-vie to Suchard chocolate!

If you want to read more, click on each of the photos to enlarge!

We headed upstairs - great little area for children to play. 

From there we walked to see the little amphitheater - renovated fairly recently! Walked back to Dave for some lunch. We couldn’t have eaten at the restaurant at The Barry even if we wanted to - was full. Tintin had a quick look at prices - 3 course lunch was CHF 63. 

It was raining - but decided to man up and go out anyway. People who know me, know I’m usually hot. I wore a long sleeved top, fleece, puffer jacket, coat, hat, gloves, jeans and waterproof trousers - just about ok! We both felt like Michelin men!

One shop window had handles outside - which then operated the random things built inside - very good. 

Walked to the very old bridge - Pont de la Bâtiaz with a castle up above it. The little river is the Dranse. 

The ‘chair’ Tintin is sitting in is actually marble!

We found a reasonably priced launderette, but by the time we’d walked home - and found a place to cross the railway line - decided we wouldn’t bother to go back. There’s always another day!

Still managed about 11,000 steps just pottering around. It does feel very cold though - think it will do for the next few days too. 

It’s quite ironic that it’s quite cold, but our fridge/freezer isn’t as cold as it should be - think we’ll be eating out of the freezer to use it all up!

And - because Max has been so kindly sending photos - here’s the beautiful Mille