Day # 51 Lorrach to Basel.

Basel ferry. 21st crossing of the Rhine so far
.....the ferries are getting smaller!

From high on the hill on which Lorrach youth hostel perches, it was an easy roll down into the town and a case of a sharp left turn and a 12 km amble straight into Basel. On a trip like this, that does require a modicum of planning and effort,  would appreciate it if  the authorities could at least arrange a small welcome--- like a welcome cup of tea, as I enter their territory--or in the case of the Swiss, a chocolate bar would have sufficed! As it was, the border was, to my surprise, totally open and passport control not even manned at 9.00 am.
What happened to all those folks carrying machine guns that manned borders points in the sixties? Switzerland is not part of the EU, but it does appear to have very relaxed entry controls from friendly neighbouring countries. This may support the recent comment I heard, that 40% of Switzerland's labour force is now immigrant. One is certainly aware of multi-culturism as one walks the streets of Basel.
         Booked into my youth hostel with typical Swiss efficiency and in addition to being provided with free wi-fi was presented with a gratis 2 day pass to the region's bus & tram system. A nice touch to encourage visitors to move about & spend time & money. Wonder if Toronto might ever consider this during these tourist challenged times of an expensive Canadian dollar. I remember when I used to attend the Cologne trade shows in the nineties, that they did the same thing.
           To access the "Alte Stadt", old town necessitated crossing the Rhine once more--my 21st. Why use the boring old bridges when for just a euro, I could take the smallest and most rickety  wooden ferry encountered so far. Because the river was flowing fast at this point, we were literally catapulted across in about 30 seconds on the tether rope.
        Tomorrow, a rest day, to enjoy a pleasant Saturday, around the pleasant streets of this major city. Hopefully the weather will again cooperate---today was perfect--sunny and about 22C.

12 kms. walked today per Google Maps.
934.7 Cumulative kms. walked.
Type of overnight lodging: Basel youth hostel.
Cost of lodging:  45E.---Includes b/fast, dinner and a city wide free travel card.