Around the Matterhorn
We continued along a balcony track, with gorgeous views of vivid blue ‘Lac de Moiry’. The views grew more and more spectacular as the trail became steeper, until we finally reached’ Cabane de Moiry’. This overlooked a huge glacier which creaked and groaned and glistened in the sun. It really was an impressive sight.
The following day was a varied walk, starting with a warm stony down-hill amble to Lac de Moiry, then steeply up a zig-zag path to the pass( Col du Tsate).
Thunder cracked and lightning flashed, as we continued on down. The whole valley was filled with thick white cloud, so we moved fast, reaching Les Hauderes, just after 3.00.pm. Suddenly, the wind changed, the cloud lifted, the sun popped through, and we were able to dry our gear on lines by the river.
The morning began with a meander through meadows of wild flowers, reminding us of ‘Heidi’ country, to a narrow trail led through fir trees to the village of Arolla, renown for it’s enormous dark brown houses, with window boxes overflowing with flowers of all colours.
Day 4 was challenging. Following yellow painted signs, we climbed over glacial morraine, to cross Arolla Glacier, and continued steeply up over rugged sharp rocks to a pass on the Swiss/ Ital-
ian border at 3,074m (Col Collon). We then clambered back down assisted by chains and ropes.
The route led over three more snow fields before reaching a refuge, where we stopped for a much needed coffee. Two and a half hours later, we reached Rifugio Prarayer, where the sunset views over the lake were just stunning.
Next day we walked along Valcorniere Valley to the head of the lake, and more ropes, chains and metal steps, led straight up to the pass, and aided in the descent. We passed two beautiful blue lakes, on the way to Rifugio Percucca.
The next section was along a balcony path bordered by wild flowers; and through ‘Fenetre de Tsigatraz’ - a 2nd pass. It was in this area that we first saw the Matterhorn in all it’s glory, known here as ‘Monte Cervino’. Enjoying the spectacular scenery in the late afternoon light, we continued on to Breuil-Cervinia, arriving about 7.00pm.
Day 7 started with three cable car rides , which sped us over dizzying heights, to be dropped off on another