Zermatt for the weekend

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Zermatt for the weekend! We drove 3 hours from Geneva to Tasch, then caught the train up to Zermatt. Zermatt is a walking town that is at the base of the famous Matterhorn peak and 28 other peaks. The Matterhorn is the most impressive as it appears to be on its own. The weather wasn't great, the main ski season was over, but it was not quite summer weather. We spent the first day walking around Zermatt, enjoying the town, the church and paying our respects at the mountaineers cemetery. We were struck by how young many of the climbers who died were, many on their decent of the Matterhorn. As we were walking in the town the church bells rang. On the second day we caught the train up to Gornergrat. It was a cloudy day with passing showers, but we did enjoy the views of the other peaks and the glaciers while the Matterhorn hid behind the clouds. We then caught the train down to Rotenboden and hiked down to Riffelberg train station. The track is recommended from July-October due to the chance of snow during the rest of the year. We had a lovely walk/hike, with it being the highlight of our trip for most of our kids and ourselves. There was enough to keep the kids interested: mountain sides, rocks to climb, lakes, streams and snow to play in. We spotted the elusive marmot hiding in the rocks. We rounded the corner of the track on the final stretch to Riffelberg and realised that the track was covered in snow. The first part was a bit steep and needed some steps kicked in, the snow getting up to knee height in some parts. Murray was obviously in his element and the kids were mostly up for the adventure. My friend and I a little slower and more cautious. This was the start of a few snow crossings, some wet socks later, we were relieved to see the church and train station at Riffelberg. I was surprised by how many churches were dotted on the mountainside. After our hike and train journey we were back in Zermatt for dinner, the Matterhorn finally peaked out from behind the cloud. We spent the next few hours eagerly watching to see the impressive peak come and go from behind the passing clouds. Pictures obviously don't do it justice, it is an impressive sight.

We had a lovely weekend and enjoyed seeing more of Switzerland. Here's to seeing more of this beautiful country we now call home.

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Comments

[Graham Burt]

Too Much Fun.
Great scenery and the team are having way too much fun! G