Statue of St. Bernard

He looks a bit grumpy & is pointing in the wrong direction, but this is near the start of the Eurapaweg, the high level path up the valley wall to Zermatt.

The Mattertal valley

Zermatt is at the end of this valley. Tomorrow climb high, half way along left side. From here descended to St. Niklaus, tonight's stop.

Ibex

Descending to St. Niklaus passed a group of ibex. They let us come quite close. Very impressive with their long, ridged horns.

The last col

Climbed up from Gruben to the Augstbordpass, the last pass before the Mattertal valley. Cold at the top but warmer in the valley.

Turtmanntal

Cross over the col into the next valley. Still a dusting of snow on the peaks & some patches on the trail. First view of Bishorn & Weisshorn. Gentle walk down thro' forest to Gruben.

Zinal from above

Good weather has returned as climb up above Zinal towards the Forcletta pass. For mountain spotters these are the Besso, Dent Blanche & Grand Cornier.

Ridge behind glacier

Have to pick way down hill after last night's snow. See a marmot & 6 or 7 chamois above Lac de Moiry, which is am amazing aquamarine colour from the glacial melt water. Walk thro' light hail & down to Zinal, tonight's stop.