Day 9, Sun., 8/22 –
Awesome day with Peter and Carole. Up early. Took a 42 minute early morning cog-wheel train trip up the mountain to Gornergrat, from which we could have the best view of the Matterhorn (4478 meters, 14,692 ft.)and surrounding mountains and glaciers, including Duforzpitze, the tallest mountain in Switzerland at 4634 meters (15,203 ft.). Had a group photo taken while at Gornergrat with the Matterhorn in the background. We stayed over 2 hours taking pictures and just soaking up the awesome beauty of the place. Then we took the train back down to Zermatt for lunch at a Swiss cafe. Hugh had Goulash soup...again! The guys decided to take a hike along the river to Gorner Gorge, a scenic spot where a stream has cut a deep gorge through the sandstone. The walkway through the gorge was a wood walkway anchered on the side wall of the gorge. Quite scary but great for pictures. Hiked back through the woods & a trail through a beautiful meadow as they returned to Zermatt. The meadown had old sheds with slate roofs...a very peaceful setting. A special shared time in a setting like Heide. Then stopped at Grandpi's Bar on Main Streeet and rested with half liters of cold local Swiss beer...tasted really great on a hot day. Took a lot of pictures overall. Carole & Sue checked out the shops. Peter returned to the hotel; Hugh shopped for some trekking maps etc. Attended a German mass in the old church on the square at 6:00p.m. A relaxing dinner with the tour group at 7:00 at the hotel and then it was time to pack up for the morning trip to Berne. An excellent day for all four of us.

Today's "options" -
*Gornergrat Matterhorn & Swiss Alps & glacier ($55)