The Matterhorn

Clouds still hanging around this morning but the weather report said it would improve. So off we went and boarded the cogwheel rail train up to Gornergrat. Up there is an observation area, restaurant, shops, etc where you can view the Matterhorn as well as other peaks over 12,000 feet and glaciers. The plan was to stop at Riffelap and hike up to Ritenboden ( Riffelsee) then get back on the cog to the top. When we arrived at Riffelap, clouds were breaking up in the opposite direction than we were hoping for, but up the trail we went. We reached a historic hotel and it started to rain. On with the rain gear. At this point, Marty and I decided not to hike up and planned to meet the group at the next stop Riffelberg. We walked into the hotel to look around as the group started their hike. They were not gone 5 minutes  and it began to pour. Best decision of the day. We took the train to the next stop, had a hot drink and hung out. It started to snow. But then the clouds separated for awhile and there it was- the Matterhorn! At about the same time, the group showed up, tired, wet and cold. Quick warm up and then we all hiked to the next stop. It snowed all the way. Train to the top, all in the clouds and more snow. Soup for lunch. Still snowing, so no real views. But all was not lost. Visited the Swatch store and discovered that they made a limited addition watch to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn. They made 4478 watches, the height of the Matterhorn in meters. There were 6 left. Myself and Dani got a watch. So excited!!!!!!
Train down, still snowing until about halfway down, still clouds. Fantastic dinner at a place that " flambes" all sorts of things. Marty had a dessert that was flaming. Tomorrow we have a half day with the group and then we are off on our own. Train to Grindelwald on Sunday.













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