“Ian, just off for more snow playing”
Creative signs
Arrrr . . cooling down in a snow oasis from the sun trapped boulders that went on and on . .
Views back towards Augstbordpass
Exuberant teens from California bombing along the path, with views of northern end of Mattertal.
“Ian, I need a break . . it’s super hot & all those rocks are giving me sore paws . . . please”
“Patience Zen . . I know the perfect spot . . “
“Wow . . . woof . . . wow”
The teens are leaving . . . I've got it . .
Troara viewpoint – undoubtedly one of the finest panoramic viewpoints on the entire trek . .
This truly is the heart of the Alps, one visual gem after another.
View South of Mattertal towards Zermatt at its head (hidden) – a narrow deeply cut valley flanked by the highest peaks in Switzerland – Magnificent
“Can we hang here for a while?”
“Sure, but not literally”
“Muy, muy feliz”
Views opposite of Dom (4545m) & Reid glacier on Eastern side of the valley.
View North of- Bernese Alps & closer avalanche defences
“Ian, look, it’s a long way down”
“I trust you, Zen. Take a photo for us”
View of Grachen (1615m), on opposite side of the valley
Western side view of Zinalrothorn, Schalihorn, Wessihorn, Bishorn & Brunegghorn.
A turn up – a flat stone mule-path
Jungu or Jungen (1955m) perched or hanging on a steep slope 900m above the Mattertal, a delightful collection of old timber chalets and haybarns.
Another fascinating photo showing the Western side of the valley with our camp site for the night and the route tomorrow.[
First, the hot energy sapping decent down to St Niklaus (1127m)
Ian’s full of shocks today . . upon arriving in St Niklaus, we hopped on a train. .
It can’t be the end . . there was no last day bell. . .
Worse . . Ian fell asleep on the train & I had to batter him awake with my paws at the first stop.
Just as well I did as we got off at the second stop, though I immediately regretted it . . .
Arrrr. . . I know that pungent sterile aroma of pain & fear . . the Vets
The horrible worming tablets . . now we really were close to going home.
At least Ian disguised it’s revolting taste by smothering them with my tasty treats.
Back on the train to St Niklaus station, where we bumped into Thomas, waiting for the bus to Grachen.
“Ian, just once, let’s take the bus . . please. Promise I won’t tell anyone”
“I’ll think about it, while on the way to the supermarket”
Hope he doesn’t remember last time I took the worming pills – we jumped into a taxi zooming round the hairpin bends over the Pyrenees –
I threw up !
I was worried - Ian makes horrendous decisions when he’s tired
We walked . . in the afternoon scorching sun
We walked . . 500m up to Gasenried
We walked . . for 2 hours and some
Ian got excited with this sign . . the first one pointing to . . .
Europaweg . . .
Ian knew I was exhausted when, even though I was off the lead I couldn’t be bothered to chase some sheep we saw.
These were fun to meet & cheered me up . .
Ian said he knew of a perfect camping spot . . yeah, but can we walk there?
I was hoping for a bed. . . and I know the perfect spot . . . but we can’t walk there.
Me, of little faith . . Ian’s camp site was beautiful . . with a new friend to make.
Flat grassy area, tables, chairs, bar-b-ques, toilets & it even came with an outdoor shower/mandi for Ian . .
I wouldn’t have grumbled if he had thrown me in the bath.
“Ian, today was terrific
. . would tomorrow be terrific or terrifying . . ?
“ . . . tomorrow . . . hmmm . . . The Europaweg . . . sweet dreams, Zen “
“ . . or . . a nightmare, Ian ??” I whispered.