Day 5 in Zermatt

Yesterday Lenny was feeling a bit under the weather, and so he took the day off to sightsee at Schwarzsee and Gornergrat. At dinner last night, he was obviously feeling much better, as he made quick work of his rack of lamb.

I had a full day, riding lifts and making turns on my Skimo gear. In the afternoon I hiked around to different parts of Zermatt. I also did a bit of browsing for books and skimo gear. I was delighted to find out that Mountain Sports has a full - an affordable - well stocked backcountry rentals. From race skis to fat boards, crampons, to avalanche beacons, and shovels.

My afternoon hike had two surprises, the first bumping into a chalet with a sunny terrace, live music, and a superb view. A stop was in order to sip some wine, soak up some sun, and listen to the talented voice of the gal on the acoustic guitar. When I resumed my hike, happenstance called my attention to a very steep, switchbacking trail. It proved to be a delightful, and direct route up the hill, to the Winkelmatten Chapel … on the way the hiker is treated to all the stations of the cross.

Day 4 in Zermatt

Yesterday I snapped this picture of Adlerhorn (right) and Strahlhorn (left). Strahlhorn is one of the many 4000m peaks that can be climbed from Zermatt.

Day 3 in Zermatt

Another beautiful day, a trend which looks to continue until we leave. We hiked to Fluhalp and back from Blauherd, after Lenny left on the funicular, I lift skied for almost two hours. Then a sauna before a big fondue dinner.

While we were hiking Sam and his three month old FaceTimed us, and the texted the screen capture enclosed below.

Hike to the Champagne Bar and Chalet Reid

A great day; although a poor route choice by Len (I warned him) was more direct, but was icy and sketchy in places.

Super soup; great conversation at the bar, and the views were spectacular.

Last leg of the journey

Yesterday was a mammoth travel day, which with the time change spilled into Sunday. Frankly, the two days were a blur!

The bottom line … we made it!

And, we managed to do an easy one hour hike - up and around Winkelmatten - as well as have a tremendous dinner of brats and rosti at the Zermatterstubli.

So, great to be back in the Alps with Lenny … reliving my first 1972 trip with Dick, my 1978 trip of first big climbs, and other fond memories of so many trips over the years.

Second leg of the journey

An early morning flight and then a ten hour layover at JFK. The mitigating factor was hanging out in the plush Delta One Lounge. Cushy seats; massage chairs; showers; massive free and yummy food; as well as all the champagne, wine, and whiskey you desired. Also some couches you could sack out on.

Time for the third leg … across the big pond to Zurich.