I HAVE CONFIDENCE

Zermatt #1

Arriving last night (June 6, 2023), we basically slept, ate breakfast, changed hotels, and headed for a small adventure hike. Precious cargo was traveling by plane and train, bound to meet up with us in the late afternoon!

We set off for the indoor funicular to Sunnegga with Cody trying to lead the way! Once we reached Sunnegga we enjoyed snacks and drinks overlooking the valley with a bird’s eye view of the famous Matterhorn. Zach’s bucket list has been accomplished within 24 hours of his arrival to Zermatt! The clouds were nice enough to part for a rare spectacle of the Matterhorn sans clouds. A small hike up and the reward was even better.

A small hike down gave the view of a small lake, in which swimming is allowed. Cody even took to the water, however his confidence to swim across to fetch a stick was quickly thwarted either by cold water temperatures or inability to judge the distance. In the water, Mazie found a huge log that looked like a rock next to her island rock.

Next we decided to hike back down to the village. The All Trails app gave us confidence we would arrive at the train station in time to meet precious cargo. The hike meandered along a tree line with beautiful mountain views. We studied and felt young evergreens that were as soft as a baby’s bottom. Then we dove quickly straight down a dusty thin trail. Looking behind us I saw others following us or following the trail app.

This thin trail down was crazy. Cody and they kids were nimble and quick, having a lot of confidence in their abilities. I trekked on gingerly, having packed for the day on nice meandering trails. The soles of my shoes were worn smooth and could not grip. Also I was without an ankle brace as added measure for my 4mo post ankle sprain injury from another steep mountain descent. Almost all of us were on our bottoms many times in order to safely maneuver step gradient landscapes. Randy even stayed back several times to help the hikers behind us. Finally, we intersected with a more developed trail. At this junction we translated a sign explaining the trail we had just descended was actually a training trail for climbing the Matterhorn. How about that!!! This news did not help the sounds of frustration coming out my mouth.

We proceeded down the more manicured trail. We found bunkers, which spurred the kids along. We saw views of the village rooftops. We took wrong turns. Our confidence in meeting the train carrying precious cargo was dwindling rapidly. At this point we were walking as five separate units without all being in view.

Alas, we made it to the village. The race, for some with energy still left in their legs, began. Lo and behold, we reached our new apt flat the same time as our precious cargo, Uncle Greg and Aunt Sarah. Hugs and excited kids were seen and heard throughout the village.

We ended the afternoon with drinks, hanging out, Swiss fondue and a plan for the next day!