Riffelalp Resort 2222m Zermatt

I am only stayin the night just to see the Matterhorn. The sun is out and I took a hike up nearby hill. It was about an hour and a half uphill walk with regular short stops to catch my breath. I think I have had enough of hiking now, I did 4 hours of it at Montreux as well, I must have the best **** at the moment. Spectacular view of the mountain at the hilltop though. It's less of a mountain and more of a giant pinnacle of rock. It looks menacing, to prove it there is a nearby graveyard full ...

... to them. The father and daughter had just completed a 200km trek through the mountains so our little effort that day seemed very insignificant!

We sat and watched the sun go down and the lights of the town come on as it got darker and colder. The town and the Matterhorn looked beautiful as the sun set and the moon came up. We really didn't want to go inside, but when it did get too cold we eventually climbed down to bed, and every muscle in our bodies said ‘thank you!’

... br>We had decided to travel via Aosta, so as to get as close to the roadbook outlined route as possible. About midday, we got our first views of Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco, as the Italians know it. As we turned off the motorway, we could still see it, until the narrow winding roads took us across the other side of another mountain.

Now we realised this was our last chance to get the police photo, as soon we
wouldn't be in Italy any more ...

... took Evie back up via the Tram to the top of the Klein Matterhorn just before the last ride at 4:30p. Along the way, they watched a parade of swiss dancers with typical accordian players as they paraded down main street as part of an annual traditional festival.
 
                 

... of the "exposure" on the hike up and while there were some sketchy sections, everyone arrived safe and sound. Dinner was surprisingly good and our 10 person bunkbed (5 on top, 5 on bottom) was warm and comfortable enough for a decent night's sleep.

                                         

... see the Jungfrauroch, which we couldn't see when we were on it on Sunday!

Our hotel packed us a lunch for the road, since we missed the breakfast buffet. We ate it at 8:00 am and it truly felt like lunch! It was so good, even though we were eating a roast beef sandwich. The food is so fresh.

The town of Zermatt was quaint and very Swiss-like. We hiked through it to take the cable cars and gondolas to see the Matterhorn. On the ...

... that had spent the day with her best friend. And then Mum, Cilla and I went shopping for souvenirs. Tonight we had a lovely evening in. and now we are all packing for tomorrows train to Mandello Del Lario. Liz and Rod will be married in 2 days... We are all excited about that. Bedtime now. I don't know what the Internet situation is in Mandello del Lario but I will post wedding pics ASAP.

Waiting for my mid morning cappuccino as l sit in the sun, beside a glacier stream overlooking the "mighty and majestic" Matterhorn (that's how the postcards describe it anyway). It is beautiful though and makes you do as all Switzerland does to me- makes me contemplate life and how small lam within this beautiful world....l wont delve into the contemplations of my mind that l journaled about that morning but leave you with ...

... concrete, especially in the mornings. I spent a bit of time looking for this mythical line between Switzerland and Italy which is said to exist as you cross into another part of the twin resorts. I never did find it :( though everyone assures me there's a line marking the border. bah! Ok... enough about the snow. The Journey ----------- Special mention had to be made here. The train ride between Geneva and Visp/Zermatt was very impressive. The best to sit ...