Last Day of Hiking - Zermatt - Zmutt

How to sum up an adventure of a lifetime? Two thumbs, ten toes and 4 blisters up! Our guides were knowledgable, safe strong leaders, our days were filled with at least 4 & at the most 10 hours of challenging hiking, our group was filled with experienced hikers, adventure seekers and wanderlusts and our weather was superb.
We started our last hike today, walking through Zermatt town then up...PoC (piece of cake... :) ) 1000' up and a 1000' down ( 4 hours) with a fabulous lunch outside at Restaurant Blatten. We enjoyed staring straight at the Matterhorn while eating rosti with fried eggs. If you see me walking around Greenwich with poles in hand and backpack on it maybe safe to assume i am slow to reacclimate...
After our hike a few of us continued on to 10000' (via train) and hiked down a bit ( 3 hours).
I highly recommend the haute route mont blanc to the matterhorn trip to everyone looking for physical challenge
surrounded by amazing scenery. Enjoy some pics...included are the "post" feet pics...i will be taking trail mix off my diet for awhile... xoxo

Hiking Day 9 - Gruben - St. Niklaus

It's hard to believe that my first hiking trip is nearing the end. I have had a blast! The challenge was strenuous, no doubt, the views were beyond spectacular, traveling in a pack of 14 people and arriving each day safe, awed and with smiles says it all.
I learned a little french, german and hikinese, gleamed hiking tips and trip ideas from ALL of the well traveled experienced hikers in our group and shared many laughs. I learned to hike up hill, down hill and traverse in snow, i learned to slow down and take in the scenery and appreciate every moment.
On our last full day we rolled out our back door, hiked 7.5 hours, we ascended to 9400', we descended 3000' feet to catch a cable car to St. Niklaus. Enjoy some pics!

Hiking Day 8 - Grimentz - Zinal - Gruben

It's hard to believe that we have been hiking for over 7 days! Strangers that we just met days ago seem like old friends now. We are all so very blessed to be able to experience these special bonds and absorb the magnificent views all while challenging our bodies for hours on end each day. And today was another spectacular, challenging 9 hour hiking day. Filled with 45 degree vertical climbs, narrow paths, views of the Matterhorn, mountain goats, foot or "bottom" skiing, rushing streams and larch trees! (4,000' ascent and 3000' descent). Didn't take a follow up picture of my feet yet...toes intact...heels not faring as well...enjoy some great pics from today! Much love and thanks to all our loved ones holding down the forts back home.

Hiking Day 7 - Arolla to Grimentz

Another beautiful day filled with 6 hours of sunshine, wind, flora and fauna...another dam and turquoise lakes! Every vertical foot (ascent - 4180' and descent - 3468') was rewarded with spectacular views. Even the town of Grimentz is outstanding to wander through. Enjoy some pics.