ZERMATT and the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn
In all of time we have ridden Europe we have never been to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Last year we had it scheduled if weather permitted, and it didn’t so this year we followed the weather and a nice window opened at just the right time for us to seize it; so we did.
The drive from Mennagio to Domodossola was extremely difficult since it crosses back and forth between Italy and Switzerland and roads are in many case 1 lane in width for a couple of kms. All the time around some difficult terrain, but we made it to Tasch, the base of getting to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. We arrived just early enough to be able to do our ascent and hike down that afternoon, under crystal clear blue skies, absolutely no cloud and excellent temperatures. The 1 ½ hr descent was a lot tougher than expected though with our calves and thigh muscles burning a lot then and today.
Sandra on the Descent
On our drive to Martigny in southern western Switzerland today we marveled at the orderly way that Swiss have their vineyards. It is almost to the point that if you pick a grape it will have a serial number on it. We finally buy a bottle of Cote du Rhone red wine to enjoy as a salute to this beautiful region.

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