Day 13 - September 8

Train to Zermatt

Today has largely been a travel day. I wish I could have taken some decent pictures from the trains. There was so much beauty even though it was overcast. Of course I couldn’t see much from the 13 minute long tunnel we went through. I can’t even fathom the engineering required to build that. One of the things that most surprised me was a large area where there was one vineyard after another all carefully terraced on the steep hillsides.

When I arrived in Zermatt I was fortunate to catch a nearly full view of the Matterhorn before the clouds and eventual rain took over. And then lo and behold by the end of the day despite the weather forecast, there were beautiful views. My hotel room faces the Matterhorn and I sat for 2 hours at the window watching the view change according to light, rain, shadows and clouds. It was mesmerizing. There was a sightseeing option available today but with the clouds and eventual rain I passed. Instead I wandered around Zermatt which was fun and came back to my elegant hotel room, took a long hot soak in the big tub and then sat my the window in a plush hotel robe and looked out the window.

I took the train from point 7 to point 8 today

On my way to the train station in Gstaad. Only in Switzerland. Didn’t have time to investigate further.

One of the train stations I stopped at. There’s a little place inside the cow to sit or play.

From the train window

Partial view of the Matterhorn

Zermatt

These are the only vehicles on the street. Most are taxis to take visitors to their hotels. I walked.

Look at the flowers!

Even better view

This was outside the Matterhorn Museum as a tribute to the early climbers. Over 500 people have died ascending or descending the Matterhorn.

Hmmmm Thinking I might need my own statue celebrating my accomplishments.

The Swiss love their elusive marmots

Look closely at these blooms. They are everywhere!

Snack time! Hot chocolate and an almond pie.

See all the tiny black and white dots?

They’re goats!!

Those are the ski lifts way up there. They are all over the place.

My hotel

Foggy views from my room

My own personal spa

Look who’s making an appearance! Isn’t it spectacular.

Also notice the slate roofs. They are traditional in Switzerland tolerating harsh winters and lasting centuries. Hard to believe.

All of my Matterhorn pictures were taken on my hotel balcony!

Ended the day with traditional Swiss fondue. Yummy but it was A LOT.