Sunday, July 2nd

Larry & I had an early breakfast at our hotel and caught the 8 am  Gornergrat all-electric cogswheel train to Gornergrat for a day of stupendous hiking!  Reaching the top in 33 minutes we were greeted by the top of the Matterhorn peaking through the clouds…the last time we would see the top all day until after dinner that night!  We first hiked the 360 degree loop around the hotel & research observatory taking in the Gorner & Grenz glaciers that dramatically swooped right and  made a deep rumbling sound!  We then hiked down to Riffelsee, a small lake that can offer reflections of the mighty Matterhorn…many fellow hikers waited patiently for just such a reflection to no avail!  Our next stop was Riffelberg where we stopped for a refreshment and to “meet the sheep”, the blacknose sheep that make these pastures their home!  We then hiked to Riffelalp for a lovely lunch at the resort’s restaurant with a magnificent front row seat of the Matterhorn which remained enshrouded during our stay!  We took the train back up to the top to hike a different trail down!  Meanwhile, Karen & Phil took the Schwarzsee cable car for a hike to the Schwarzsee lake and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains!  Afterwards, they enjoyed lunch at the Derby restaurant.  We met back at the hotel where Larry caught part of the daily afternoon blackneck goat parade on video!  Our hotel recommended the Dupont restaurant for dinner, which appeared to attract locals and tourists alike!  After dinner, we were rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn in all its glory!!