Well.
Bit of a topsy, turvy day really.
Glad my glasses were transitional.
It was very bright at the summit so the dark glasses were brilliant.
People would have wondered about me otherwise.

Up at 7am.
Lovely breakfast in the dining room.
Then, dressed warmly, I headed to the railway up the mountain.
The Gornergrat cog wheel railway, going up to 3089 metres.
There are 29 peaks to be seen up there over 4000 metres high.
And the glaciers.
It was overcast but a little bit of blue now and then so I crossed my fingers for good blue skies at the summit.

I sat on the right hand side going up as I had read this had the best view of the Matterhorn.
They were right.
Almost immediately, there it was... against a background of beautiful blue sky.
Amazing.
Just amazing.
As were the incredible views back down the mountain.

The photos will have to take over here.
At the summit, the views in every direction were breath taking.
I spent about 2 hours up there.
Had my picture taken with a beautiful St Bernard with the Matterhorn in the background.
Had to do that.

Rang Emily from the summit.
( Hi, kiddo.)
And checked out more views.
And walked everywhere.
Then I decided to buy a pair of hiking sticks.
One for the walk down part of the mountain here.
And, two, to have them for the walks on the Cinque Terre.

Rang Mum and Auntie Joan in the brilliant sunshine.
( Glad you are having fun up there.)
Then, studiously avoiding any food, I hopped on the next train going down the mountain.
I got off at the first stop, Rotenboden.

I had read that a 20 minute walk from there was a small lake.
If the conditions were right, the Matterhorn would be reflected in the water.

So off I went.
I was very pleased that I had bought the hiking sticks.
It was very steep in parts and the ground underfoot was shale.

No problem getting to the lake.
It was stunning.
Matterhorn towering behind it.
See what you think of the photos.
It was amazing just sitting there watching everyone patiently waiting and hoping that the bit of cloud would clear from the mountain.
Very relaxing.

Then, I was going to go back up... well I did actually.
Then I remembered that the next station down was about an hours' hike away.
So I about turned and went hiking in Switzerland.
Under the shadow of the Matterhorn.

I loved this.
Magnificent weather.
Spectacular scenery.
Every now and then I would step aside to let fearless mountain bike riders pass.
Now that is something I definitely don't want to do!

Sat at Riffelalp Station for awhile taking it all in.
Then back to Zermatt.

I went shopping.
The beauty about having a small case is you buy very little.
McDonald's for tea... ( It is inexpensive.)

And that's it.
Loved the railway.
Loved the scenery and the walk.
Love Zermatt.
Love the planter boxes.
Tourists everywhere and no cars.
Just a horse drawn carriage passing every now and then.
And the small taxi vans from the station to the hotels.

Will head out again for a stroll shortly.
I can hear a big band playing, so will check that out.

Amanda, I spoke to Gerald.
I said thank you etc.
He was lovely.
He said it was the best single room he had.
The rest were rubbish!
He does like Australians and was thrilled that I said hi from you.

To Elisabeth, Rachel and Eliza.
Thank you so much for looking after Mo.
It was a huge thing to ask of you all and I am so very, very glad that he had you three looking after him.
Very sad.
But he had a wonderful time with Dash and was a beautiful friend to us all.
Thank you all so very, very much.
Xxx