The Woodyren's 2022 wanderings. Maldives Mallorca Malaga Mykonos and the Matterhorn plus many parts/ports in between.

[woodyren]

First night in Zermatt. The few hours we had to walk around quickly erased the memory of all the days issues.

 

[ellen10]

Sorry to read about the wallet being stolen. And as you mentioned it was a very hectic day for you both yesterday and so many changes. Looks like your accommodation is lovely and of course the beautiful scenery will help erase the disappointments. Enjoy!

 

[woodyren]

Yesterday began with a gig railway ride to the Gornergrat.

 

[woodyren]

360° of mountain peaks, valleys and glaciers. Weather again has been great. We have been blessed with the weather since day one. About 8-10° at the peak. Oxygen a little thin and my medication for AF that slows my heart rate made me a little dizzy and slightly breathless for a while.

The veiw from the top.

 

[woodyren]

Then the highlight of the day. The three hour walk down from the Gornergrat to Riffelalp station.

Quite challenging in places. Particularly the steeper uneven sections which were hell for my knees and tired shaky legs.

There were quite a few people around at the begining but after the first station I had the place to myself a times.

The higher up sections.

 

[woodyren]

Lower down the path became more even and shaded. It was a great walk.

 

[ellen10]

Wow beautiful scenery for a great walk

 

[woodyren]

Today we rode the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Amazing views along the way but it's hard to get time to compose a shot and also there is glare from the windows.

Great train ride. Almost 8 hours.

 

[woodyren]

Following up from the Glacier Express today's route took us from St Moritz to Torino and return through the Bernina Pass. Fortunately we opted for the local train rather than the expensive Bernina Express. In hindsight I wished we had done the same on the Glacier Express route. The Swiss trains are excellent and the first class section was almost empty in both directions.

On both our trains there were drivers view windows in the front carriage. There are curtains that are apparently optional for the driver to position. Thankfully the driver opened them for us.

Far better photo options than on the packed Glacier Express yesterday. The trip was also a few levels up in interest.

First section between St Moritz and Alp Grum.

 

[woodyren]

Alp Grum Station is one of the highest points on the route. Stunning views. Again in hindsight I would have given myself enough time there to do a hike down into the valley.

One of more picturesque places we have visited. There is also a restaurant but we did not sample the fare.

 

[woodyren]

A few more photos of the route. Particularly on the side heading down to Torino and in particular the Brusio Spiral viaduct.

 

[OZDUCK]

Lovely views of the Alps. I am happily surprised at the 'drivers views' it certainly would enhance the experience.

 

[craven morehead]

First night in Zermatt. The few hours we had to walk around quickly erased the memory of all the days issues.

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Sensational scenery!!

 

[ellen10]

Beautiful scenery. We did that trip from Torino to Lucerne, loved it! We had an 8 day Swiss pass and could catch any mode of transport, the best value ever.
You certainly are having great weather!

 

[woodyren]

The last trip was St Moritz to Tirano not Torino.

 

[woodyren]

OK it's catch up time again. Yesterday we made our way from St Moritz to Interlaken. The train route from St Moritz to Chur repeated what we had covered a few days ago on the Glacier Express. Again the journey was far more enjoyable and there was far greater opportunity to get photos on the local train.

 

[ellen10]

The last trip was St Moritz to Tirano not Torino.

Yes thats right, I got mixed up as well. We had caught a train from Venazza (Lake Como) to Tirano to catch the Bernina express.

 

[woodyren]

Our hotel in Interlaken. Hotel Rossli. Room very basic as was breakfast but the staff, views and atmosphere have lifted it well above expectations.

Spent a while last night and again this morning chatting to an Aussie couple from Perth who are on a round the world KF J Saver trip. The guy is also an AFF forum regular. Forgot to ask him what his username was but we had a great chat.

And for our last night in Interlaken the Jungfrau put on a special show for us while we relaxed on our balcony.

 

[woodyren]

Trying to squeeze in as much as possible into our last day in Interlaken. We planned to do the mountain cogwheel trains yesterday but rescheduled due to weather.

First stop was Lauterbrunnen. A magical valley with a few high waterfalls and alpine views at the valley end.

 

[woodyren]

Then a different train up to Wengen and it's views over Lauterbrunnen.