Gornergrat
0400 The bed is really comfortable and the room is cosy. But it’s too warm. I struggle to sleep. Also, something is worrying me but I’m not sure quite what. I try opening the window. The windows are unusual. You can pull them ajar but I’m not sure just how much fresh air comes in. Plus there’s an air movement sound that increases when they’re open. But if it cools the room I don’t mind. The temp outside is 7 degrees so I hope it helps.
0550 Opening the window seems to help a bit and I eventually get back to sleep only to be woken by my alarm at 0530! I had set it for game time with Em and forgot to reset when plans changed. Doh! Oh well, may as well lift the blind to see outside. The sky is clear and there is a soft light. Maybe I’ll have a morning walk.
The room has a coffee machine so I make one. That helps.
When I step outside I see the sun is rising on the Matterhorn so I rush back to get my camera. I get some shots but the lower mountains are still in darkness making the light difficult to get right. So I wait for a bit as the sun slowly lights up the mountains and hills. Magic! Still not quite as much light as I’d like but I need to get back so I can have breakfast and then head out proper.
0710 I head down for breakfast. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Nice and quiet at this time too. Breakfast is nice. Huge bread basket, juice, yoghurt and muesli, scrambled eggs and bacon. Not cheap though: 30 CHF. But it should keep me going all morning.
0812 I’m at the station for Gornergrat Bahn.
0824 I’ve read the right side is the best but those seats go straight away. So I sit on the left. At least I get a window seat. I’ll try for the other side on the way down. My plan is to go direct to the top and maybe stop at the stations on the way down. Still blue and clear. No great loss as there’s a lot of reflection on the windows anyway; not good for photos.
0901 Arrive.
The sun is in the perfect position.
I walk along a fairly easy trail to a large rock outcrop that gives amazing views.
Away from the people you can hear a constant soft hum of wind echoing through the mountains.
I could keep walking down to the next station but I’d like a break and some refreshment. The walk back is hard; partly due to my lack of fitness and partly the altitude. I need to rest multiple times.
1014 I make it back to the top station. That was tough. Glad I didn’t attempt any hikes. Just not up to it. But also glad I did wear my hiking boots. They were needed.
It’s cold and clear up here. Around 7 degrees. At first I had put my spray jacket on but too hot now. T-shirt is fine while I cool down.
There are heaps of people up here now. Glad I came when I did.
I see a waterfall from melting ice/glacier.
1030 I go to the café to get Apple streusel and coffee.
I can see cable cars going up the mountains.
For the first time I decide to try one of my prime lenses. Most of the time I use my telephoto because it’s a great all rounder. But I suspect a prime lens will be crisper and I’ve got one that should be great for landscape. EXCEPT, I remember that I was thinking it was a waste bringing them and left them in the hotel to reduce the weight in my backpack. Doh!
1257 Since the café was self serve and easy I decide to hang around for lunch. Pork sausage, vegetables and onion sauce.
I’ve seen lots of paragliders flying between the mountains.
In the end I’m not disappointed that I didn’t get a good seat on the train; I got lots of awesome views from the station and viewpoint.
1243 Train back departs to go back down.
1251 Arrive at Rotenboden. Worth the stop.
In good conditions you will get reflections in the lake but today there’s a breeze and too many ripples. Still some nice perspectives.
1336 Train departs. Lovely family from New York on Switzerland holiday. Mother remarks that she likes my accent.
Since midday, the tip of Matterhorn has been shrouded in cloud. Feeling lucky I got it when it was clear.
1356 Arrive Riffelalp.
Get nice views down to Zermatt.
1420 Depart.
1430 Arrive Findelbach. I decide to walk the last part. Lovely forest with occasional glimpses of mountains. It takes me to a more quiet part of Zermatt. Maybe this is where the locals live? The same architecture but on a smaller and quainter scale.
1513 I reach the main part of Zermatt. I get some supplies. I think I’ve caught a bit of sun so I get some aloe Vera gel.
1543 Get back to the hotel. Pooped but I feel I’ve really made the most of today. Time to relax and sort through photos.
I get out of my sweaty walking clothes, have a long shower and apply the aloe gel. Feeling much better. It’s quite warm down in Zermatt. 19 degrees and clear. It’s been an almost perfect weather day.
It’s very nice sitting in my window seat.
1826 Not sure if I’ll have dinner. Dinner in the restaurant doesn’t start until 7pm which is late for me. If I was starving hungry I would go, but I’m not really.