Sunnega and Gorner Gorge
0530 I slept about the same as last night. Alarm has gone off so I can get ready for game time with Em. Another clear morning.
0600 Video call with Em. We don’t manage to get Catan working but it’s lovely to have a long chat anyway.
0720 Breakfast. I go for granola yoghurt bowl and blueberry pancakes. Only person there. I wonder if many are in the hotel. Waitress tells me she hates this time of year because it is so quiet and she has less to do.
0820 I get myself ready. I plan to do a little walking and exploring but nothing high up. So I wear my new cargo shorts and remember to apply sunscreen.
First activity is to take funicular railway up to Sunnega.
0900 I get a ticket for the railway and board. I’m not sure of my plans so I get a return ticket because it’s much cheaper. But I might walk down if it looks easy enough. The funicular runs in a tunnel quickly up the hill. About 1000m vertically. Only takes 4-5 min. I could go further up by cable car but that’s not going to happen.
This time I remembered to bring my wide angle prime lens. I change it over and take a few shots. Tonight I’ll be able to see if they are any crisper. It’s a bit frustrating to use though as I’m so used to adjusting my telephoto lens to get the best framing. I guess I’ll be able to crop the others.
0947 After taking some pics I decide to head down one of the hiking trails. Not sure if I’ll take it all the way. First I need to make my way back to the funicular station. And then I need a little rest and a loo break! And some water.
1017 I head off. To begin with, I’m following path 6, Gourmetweg.
Amazing views. Carpets of alpine flowers. Cabins. The sound of cow bells in the distance. Gentle breeze. Birdsong. Bees and butterflies. Now an alpine stream.
I come to a junction. There is a quick way down to Zermatt or a longer way across the ridge that comes out closer to my hotel. I choose that.
Spectacular terrain and views. Beautiful forest trees and lush greenery. Winding paths opening to dramatic views.
1155 I change to path 4 and start my decent.
1230 Reach Zermatt.
1240 Back in the hotel. My legs are wobbly and I need a rest before my next adventure. This morning was amazing. So glad I decided to walk down. Walking along ridge was breathtaking. And walking along and down wasn’t difficult at all.
1315 Still feeling a bit exhausted but that might also be hunger. Will head out on next trip to find Gorner Gorge and find some lunch along the way. I grab a tuna roll.
1400 Arrive Gorner Gorge.
Amazing! The power of the water coming down from the melting ice is incredible. The boardwalks take you up the gorge.
1420 At the top I need to rest to catch my breath. Chat to a lovely Dutch couple before starting the trek back to Zermatt.
1650 Back at the hotel. There seem to be more people around now. I hear other people on this floor for the first time too.
Feeling quite stiff.
1745 I go down to the bar to have a drink while I work on my blog. Definitely busier. Must be the weekend.
1900 I may as well have some dinner in the bistro.
I’m really pleased with the way I’ve spent my days here. I had feared that I might squander my time. But I’ve been out and active and seen some amazing sights. I don’t feel 100% happy with all my photos; still having difficult working with my new glasses. But that’s all secondary.
Dinner is delicious. Bouffalo Bourguignon and a glass of Malbec. Desserts looked great but no room.
0850 Time to chill out a bit before bed. I will pack in the morning; it’s getting easier. Need to rest off dinner before bed.