Saturday 11 June 2022
Saturday 11 February 2017
Devil's Burden 2017
I hadn't ran many races last year because I was injured and so missed Devil's Burden 2016. So on Saturday 21st January this year I was feeling very excited and also a little apprehensive. We all met at 7.30 am in Alloa and it was very foggy and dreich. Gordon had us all organised in our teams and we were to drive up in the cars of the teams we were running in. My team was Susan Westland first leg, Sue Woods and Robert Davidson second leg, myself and Elke Braun third leg and Ally McNair fourth and final leg.
Devil's Burden is a 31k hill relay run over the Lomond Hills in Fife. The first and last legs are run solo and the middle two legs are run in pairs. All legs need a little navigation but the middle two legs need a little more and as I was leg three this year, I was armed and prepared with my compass and by the look of the misty weather was pretty sure I would be needing it! The race starts and finishes in Falkland. There were four teams so twenty four Wee County Harriers this year. The teams are mixed gender and abilty. The main object for Wee County Harriers is to get around the legs without getting lost and without injury. And to have a lot of fun at the same time.
All our first leg runners set off at 9.30am and it was still misty. I have run the first leg for the past two or three years and it is a nice off road trail run with only one checkpoint to mark off on the card. The advantage of running the first leg is that once you have run, you can relax, encourage the other runners in your team and enjoy the team spirit.
Car parking is always at problem at the changeover points but it was good to wait to see the first runners off. The camaraderie is what I absolutely love about Devil's Burden. Ally had met us up in Falkland and he was happy to drive, plus it was his wife's car! So we all bundled in and set off for the second leg start at Strathmiglo and we were in plenty time to see Susan, our first runner, coming in.
Robert and Sue then set off on the second leg and it was still very misty. The second leg over West Lomond Hill and Bishop Hill is not the longest but is traditionally the hardest leg to navigate so we wished them well and decided to wait out our time until the third leg in Loch Leven Larder. Second leg were going to be at least an hour and a half. Other Wee County teams had the same idea and it was great to meet up with new members for the first time as well as catch up with others. Ava Parker, Ellie Gray and Karen Williams were all first time Devil's Burdeners and the chat and tea over maps were great.
Third leg starts at Kinnesswood and the parking there is even worse than second leg start. By this time the faster runners who set off at 10.30 are catching up so traffic congestion is inevitable. Elke and I rushed to the third leg start with only minutes to spare. Word was coming in that the mist was clearing but we could see no signs of that.
The first climb out of Kinnesswood is brutal and Elke and I could only pick our way up through steep tufts and crags.
However once on top of that first hill - wow!! - cloud inversion and glorious day. Jackets off, compass away and off we went on what was to be an amazing run. We took photos, we looked around and, to be frank, I could have stayed up there all day. Had to give a thought to the ones waiting to start leg four though so we continued on. Leg three, Kinnesswood to Maspie Den and back to Falkland, stays high for quite a few miles so I can imagine on a bad weather day, this would be quite exposed. It goes back along and by Bishop Hill and towards West Lomond again. This is by no means a technical description. For that you can check the maps.
Once it started to cut down towards Falkland through the woods, we were back in the mist and it was really cold. But I have to say that the last few miles are all downhill and this is a great finish. I was so enthusiastic about nearly finishing however (and keeping up with Elke) that I tripped on a stone and went flying with dramatic flair. So two skinned knees and a pair of ripped leggings later, Elke and I crossed the finish line and Ally started off on the last leg back up through the woods and over East Lomond Hill before heading back to Falkland again.
Devil's Burden is a 31k hill relay run over the Lomond Hills in Fife. The first and last legs are run solo and the middle two legs are run in pairs. All legs need a little navigation but the middle two legs need a little more and as I was leg three this year, I was armed and prepared with my compass and by the look of the misty weather was pretty sure I would be needing it! The race starts and finishes in Falkland. There were four teams so twenty four Wee County Harriers this year. The teams are mixed gender and abilty. The main object for Wee County Harriers is to get around the legs without getting lost and without injury. And to have a lot of fun at the same time.
All our first leg runners set off at 9.30am and it was still misty. I have run the first leg for the past two or three years and it is a nice off road trail run with only one checkpoint to mark off on the card. The advantage of running the first leg is that once you have run, you can relax, encourage the other runners in your team and enjoy the team spirit.
First leg team members - Iona Mackay, Stephen Beveridge, George Furmage (running with Ava), Ava Parker and Susan Westland
Car parking is always at problem at the changeover points but it was good to wait to see the first runners off. The camaraderie is what I absolutely love about Devil's Burden. Ally had met us up in Falkland and he was happy to drive, plus it was his wife's car! So we all bundled in and set off for the second leg start at Strathmiglo and we were in plenty time to see Susan, our first runner, coming in.
Robert and Sue then set off on the second leg and it was still very misty. The second leg over West Lomond Hill and Bishop Hill is not the longest but is traditionally the hardest leg to navigate so we wished them well and decided to wait out our time until the third leg in Loch Leven Larder. Second leg were going to be at least an hour and a half. Other Wee County teams had the same idea and it was great to meet up with new members for the first time as well as catch up with others. Ava Parker, Ellie Gray and Karen Williams were all first time Devil's Burdeners and the chat and tea over maps were great.
Third leg starts at Kinnesswood and the parking there is even worse than second leg start. By this time the faster runners who set off at 10.30 are catching up so traffic congestion is inevitable. Elke and I rushed to the third leg start with only minutes to spare. Word was coming in that the mist was clearing but we could see no signs of that.
Elke and I waiting to start Leg 3
Donna and Nicky on same Leg 3 as us coming up through the first crags
However once on top of that first hill - wow!! - cloud inversion and glorious day. Jackets off, compass away and off we went on what was to be an amazing run. We took photos, we looked around and, to be frank, I could have stayed up there all day. Had to give a thought to the ones waiting to start leg four though so we continued on. Leg three, Kinnesswood to Maspie Den and back to Falkland, stays high for quite a few miles so I can imagine on a bad weather day, this would be quite exposed. It goes back along and by Bishop Hill and towards West Lomond again. This is by no means a technical description. For that you can check the maps.
Looking back towards East Lomond Hill
Running towards West Lomond Hill
Once it started to cut down towards Falkland through the woods, we were back in the mist and it was really cold. But I have to say that the last few miles are all downhill and this is a great finish. I was so enthusiastic about nearly finishing however (and keeping up with Elke) that I tripped on a stone and went flying with dramatic flair. So two skinned knees and a pair of ripped leggings later, Elke and I crossed the finish line and Ally started off on the last leg back up through the woods and over East Lomond Hill before heading back to Falkland again.
Finish of leg 3 with Elke and start of leg 4
I would definitely do leg three again. I absolutely loved that run, although I doubt if we will see those conditions again, it was such a delight to witness and made for a perfect day.
We waited for all the leg three runners to come in and then walked back into Falkland and the finish to greet the leg four runners in. Ally enjoyed his run too and headed home straight after his leg because it was his and Emma's wedding anniversary and he was making up for being away all day and filling her car with smelly, muddy runners by taking her out for a nice meal. The rest of us were content with the abundance of home made soup and rolls always available after the Devil's Burden race thanks to Fife Athletic Club.
I would urge all Wee County members who love off road trail runs to try Devil's Burden. Since joining the club, I think I have only missed a couple and although it seems like a long day, it passes so quickly and is so much fun.
Tuesday 3 January 2017
Highland Cross 2016
One of the highlights of my running year 2016 was the Highland Cross, a Duathlon held every year to raise money for Highland charities. Entry is in teams of three and each team must commit to raise £500 for charity. We managed to raise £1150 through quiz nights, selling home baking after races and donations from family members and friends.
During 2016 I had been carrying an injury and my running was not going too well. However I did get a new bike and was cycling to work so getting a lots of miles under my belt. The week before my event however, my confidence took a bit of a dent because I was in a tumble at high speed in the wet. My new bike was a little scraped as was I!
On the weekend of the Duathlon we travelled up to Inverness and I managed to get my bike loaded onto the truck with about thirty seconds to spare. The bike was going to be transported around to the changeover point at Glen Affric. I was meeting fellow team mates Anne and Jane and we were getting the bus round to the start at Morvich on Saturday morning from Inverness. My injury seemed to be playing up this weekend and it was touch and go whether I would even start the race.
The weather was glorious and the scenery was stunning up at Morvich and we waited for the start with anticipation. Another Wee County Harrier, Sandy, was also doing the event with some family, so we met up with him too. Funnily enough as soon as I started running, my injury just disappeared and I really relaxed into what was going to be a very sociable and friendly event.
We wanted to really enjoy the run so we chatted, ate, laughed and giggled as we ran the 20 stunning miles from Kintail through to Glen Affric. It is a really well organised event and the marshalls are wonderful and encouraging.
The terrain is quite rugged in bits but we took our time and walked any really steep hills. We were not racing anyone and we did not have a time to finish in mind, we merely wanted to complete!
This is an event I would love to do again. Great organisation, friendly marshalls, stunning scenery and they even organised the weather for us. An added bonus was that it finished in Beauly which had a mighty fine chip shop. Here's hoping I get into the 2017 event!
Dolomites 2016
August 2016
Travelled to Selva Val Gardena on Saturday and arrived in glorious sunshine. We were very tired after the plane and bus transfer but went exploring the town after checking in to the Hotel Ingram. Really impressed with the welcome and the information given at check in. We were given maps, activities information, some of which are free, and a free bus pass for the Val Gardena area. Lovely quiet town surrounded by rocky mountains. We enjoyed a five course meal each night served by really friendly staff.
First day of our holiday, Sunday, and torrential rain. We went down town and had bruschetta at Cafe de Alpes. A relaxing day snoozing, reading and recovering from our travels the previous day..
Second day Monday, walk up to Stevia, a good walk to get us back up to mountain fitness. Weather is dry, very warm but not glorious sunshine, perfect for walking really. Did a really good circular route and back to Selva where we enjoyed a Magnum each.
Tuesday was another bright start and after a good breakfast we took the bus up to Passo Sella and climbing there. The bus winds its way up very steeply and is always busy but wonderful once you get used to it. Sassolungo is very busy with cyclists, cars, climbers and there are chair lifts which look like coffins to take people up the peak.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed a candlelit dinner which had been arranged by the hotel owners and staff. A good way to break the ice with everyone else staying at the hotel. And a really good meal!
On the Wednesday The sun is splitting the trees and we walked up to Refugio Campianio, a great steep hike. Then we went over to Refugio Comici which is like Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday afternoon. We then walked over to Passo Sella and jumped on the bus to take us back down the valley.
On Thursday we went back up to Passo Sella and again went climbing at the City of Rocks. We had a fabulous salad at the restaurant in Sassolungo.
It was torrential rain on the Friday again so we took the bus down to Ortisei and went to the museum there. There was an exhibition of the work of Luis Trenker who was born in 1892 and was a mountain climber, architect, then actor and director. When Italy took over Val Gardena he moved to Germany to keep his German nationality and joined the nazi party.
Georgio Moroder was also born in Ortisei and is making an appearance this summer. Posters were all around the area and all shops were decorated with Moroder related paraphernalia. No-one was in any doubt that he was making an appearance and the Italian President was in the audience at the event. George Moroder wrote all Donna Summer's work and worked with Phil Oakley on Electric Dreams. An exhibition was underway at the museum of his work and to tie in with the visit.
On Saturday it was another glorious day and we went a walk to Passo Gardena where there was a beautiful little chapel and a cross on the top of the hill. We walked back over down to Selva past another Refugio where preparations were underway for a wedding - what a great venue to get married. Guests were arriving by gondola.
Sunday and brilliant sunshine again and I got started climbing up at the City of Rocks. Haven't climbed for over ten years outside but got right back into it. Great fun! So much easier climbing in sunshine.
Had to run for the bus back to Plan. Got hot pizza and Magnums from the Spar - absolutely delish!
Monday another glorious sunshine day! Had a late start as bus broke down and we had to wait for the next bus. Travelled up to Passo Sella and walked all the way around the Sassolungo Massiff. A huge day in sweltering heat, but it was scenic and satisfying. Late bus back.
Tuesday was meant to be wet so we stayed quite local, bought some presents, had some lunch in our favourite Cafe de Alpes. Wasn't as wet as forecast but after our long hard day yesterday, we relaxed, read and snoozed.
Wednesday and rain again with snow on the peaks. We were going to take the bus to Corvora but it didn't turn up so we walked down into the village, definitely a cooler air. Bought some presents had soup at Cafe de Alpes, then it cleared up so we decided to walk up to Passo Grabla to look at some climbing crags. Good walk and crags are in a scenic position right next to a waterfall. We walked back up towards Passo Gardena and discovered the road was closed explaining why the bus didn't show up, possibly a landslide.
Thursday was another climbing day in Passo Sella, we tended to go climbing and walking on alternate days. Climbing is not quite so strenuous so this gives us a little rest day in between long walking days - a bit of mix and match.
The Friday was our last full day and we walked right up the back valley of Selva and discovered a Wolkenstein Castle cut into the rock and also wooden carved stations of the cross along our route. During Lent the locals walk along past these Stations of the Cross and pray.
No holiday is complete without checking out the local library. All information venues had notice boards outside and someone was employed to update them daily throughout the area. There was no limit to the information I was given and this is something that could easily be replicated electronically. Inside the library was pretty cool too.
The Dolomites don't have a Matterhorn or a Mont Blanc to attract tourists but the hotels, guest houses and people really make up for this in their welcome, information for tourists and locals, and their friendly hospitality. I was really impressed by the hotel but also the surrounding information provision. I will definitely be back to this part of the world and still have so much to do here.
Travelled to Selva Val Gardena on Saturday and arrived in glorious sunshine. We were very tired after the plane and bus transfer but went exploring the town after checking in to the Hotel Ingram. Really impressed with the welcome and the information given at check in. We were given maps, activities information, some of which are free, and a free bus pass for the Val Gardena area. Lovely quiet town surrounded by rocky mountains. We enjoyed a five course meal each night served by really friendly staff.
First day of our holiday, Sunday, and torrential rain. We went down town and had bruschetta at Cafe de Alpes. A relaxing day snoozing, reading and recovering from our travels the previous day..
Second day Monday, walk up to Stevia, a good walk to get us back up to mountain fitness. Weather is dry, very warm but not glorious sunshine, perfect for walking really. Did a really good circular route and back to Selva where we enjoyed a Magnum each.
Tuesday was another bright start and after a good breakfast we took the bus up to Passo Sella and climbing there. The bus winds its way up very steeply and is always busy but wonderful once you get used to it. Sassolungo is very busy with cyclists, cars, climbers and there are chair lifts which look like coffins to take people up the peak.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed a candlelit dinner which had been arranged by the hotel owners and staff. A good way to break the ice with everyone else staying at the hotel. And a really good meal!
On the Wednesday The sun is splitting the trees and we walked up to Refugio Campianio, a great steep hike. Then we went over to Refugio Comici which is like Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday afternoon. We then walked over to Passo Sella and jumped on the bus to take us back down the valley.
On Thursday we went back up to Passo Sella and again went climbing at the City of Rocks. We had a fabulous salad at the restaurant in Sassolungo.
It was torrential rain on the Friday again so we took the bus down to Ortisei and went to the museum there. There was an exhibition of the work of Luis Trenker who was born in 1892 and was a mountain climber, architect, then actor and director. When Italy took over Val Gardena he moved to Germany to keep his German nationality and joined the nazi party.
Georgio Moroder was also born in Ortisei and is making an appearance this summer. Posters were all around the area and all shops were decorated with Moroder related paraphernalia. No-one was in any doubt that he was making an appearance and the Italian President was in the audience at the event. George Moroder wrote all Donna Summer's work and worked with Phil Oakley on Electric Dreams. An exhibition was underway at the museum of his work and to tie in with the visit.
On Saturday it was another glorious day and we went a walk to Passo Gardena where there was a beautiful little chapel and a cross on the top of the hill. We walked back over down to Selva past another Refugio where preparations were underway for a wedding - what a great venue to get married. Guests were arriving by gondola.
Sunday and brilliant sunshine again and I got started climbing up at the City of Rocks. Haven't climbed for over ten years outside but got right back into it. Great fun! So much easier climbing in sunshine.
Had to run for the bus back to Plan. Got hot pizza and Magnums from the Spar - absolutely delish!
Monday another glorious sunshine day! Had a late start as bus broke down and we had to wait for the next bus. Travelled up to Passo Sella and walked all the way around the Sassolungo Massiff. A huge day in sweltering heat, but it was scenic and satisfying. Late bus back.
Tuesday was meant to be wet so we stayed quite local, bought some presents, had some lunch in our favourite Cafe de Alpes. Wasn't as wet as forecast but after our long hard day yesterday, we relaxed, read and snoozed.
Wednesday and rain again with snow on the peaks. We were going to take the bus to Corvora but it didn't turn up so we walked down into the village, definitely a cooler air. Bought some presents had soup at Cafe de Alpes, then it cleared up so we decided to walk up to Passo Grabla to look at some climbing crags. Good walk and crags are in a scenic position right next to a waterfall. We walked back up towards Passo Gardena and discovered the road was closed explaining why the bus didn't show up, possibly a landslide.
Thursday was another climbing day in Passo Sella, we tended to go climbing and walking on alternate days. Climbing is not quite so strenuous so this gives us a little rest day in between long walking days - a bit of mix and match.
The Friday was our last full day and we walked right up the back valley of Selva and discovered a Wolkenstein Castle cut into the rock and also wooden carved stations of the cross along our route. During Lent the locals walk along past these Stations of the Cross and pray.
No holiday is complete without checking out the local library. All information venues had notice boards outside and someone was employed to update them daily throughout the area. There was no limit to the information I was given and this is something that could easily be replicated electronically. Inside the library was pretty cool too.
The Dolomites don't have a Matterhorn or a Mont Blanc to attract tourists but the hotels, guest houses and people really make up for this in their welcome, information for tourists and locals, and their friendly hospitality. I was really impressed by the hotel but also the surrounding information provision. I will definitely be back to this part of the world and still have so much to do here.
Thursday 13 August 2015
Holiday 2015 Zermatt
Saturday 1st August
Travelling to Zermatt in Switzerland for our annual break. Plane then train from Geneva to Visp, then change Visp to Zermatt. It is pouring with rain and very cool so perfect for travelling! The journey from Visp to Zermatt looks outstanding though and I can't see much of it - poor visibility. Have a sore throat, hope this is not another virus starting. No promised Matterhorn view from Alpen Resort Hotel.
Sunday 2nd
Wow, sun is shining and there she appears, the mighty Matterhorn! Think the sore throat was a neck pain due to body pump Friday night - it's getting better! Went for a wander up Zermatt wearing skirt and Teva sandals. Because the weather is so good though we ended up walking uphill to Schmutt, having an omelette at a hut there, then walking on to the dam then back on to Zermatt. Beautiful clear sky and sun is shining - feel just like Heidi, I'm happy!
Wow, sun is shining and there she appears, the mighty Matterhorn! Think the sore throat was a neck pain due to body pump Friday night - it's getting better! Went for a wander up Zermatt wearing skirt and Teva sandals. Because the weather is so good though we ended up walking uphill to Schmutt, having an omelette at a hut there, then walking on to the dam then back on to Zermatt. Beautiful clear sky and sun is shining - feel just like Heidi, I'm happy!
Monday 3rd
Sun is splitting the trees. Had a long lie but then after breakfast started walking up to Wisshornweg, down into Trift then back to Zermatt past the Edelweiss Hotel, great day. And back into town for a four scoop cone, yum yum!
Sun is splitting the trees. Had a long lie but then after breakfast started walking up to Wisshornweg, down into Trift then back to Zermatt past the Edelweiss Hotel, great day. And back into town for a four scoop cone, yum yum!
Tuesday 4th
Late start today, think it was around 11.30 but we walked up to Blauhherd. Followed a lot of the marathon route which starts in St Niklaus, follows the valley up to Zermatt, then climbs drastically in the second half all in all over 2500m! Had a picnic but it started raining and there was thunder for around twenty minutes so we didn't bother continuing to Rothorn, we will do that another time! Walked back down into Zermatt for four scoop cone (there's a pattern here), quick swim in the hotel pool, another fantastic day.
Late start today, think it was around 11.30 but we walked up to Blauhherd. Followed a lot of the marathon route which starts in St Niklaus, follows the valley up to Zermatt, then climbs drastically in the second half all in all over 2500m! Had a picnic but it started raining and there was thunder for around twenty minutes so we didn't bother continuing to Rothorn, we will do that another time! Walked back down into Zermatt for four scoop cone (there's a pattern here), quick swim in the hotel pool, another fantastic day.
Wednesday 5th August
Rest day today. After
breakfast took the gondola then cable car up to Klein Matterhorn. It
was really scary at first, the big cable car was fine though, much
better. The views from the top were amazing, saw people walking on the
Breithorn and I'm feeling quite jealous, it looks so good. We had our
picnic on the top viewing platform, it was actually sooooo warm! Think
this has been the hottest day so far! When we came back down had our
usual four scoops of ice cream, then a wander up the street.
At five saw
the goats being herded up the Main Street by kids.
Then at night after dinner saw the Matterhorn all lit up! This was installed to mark the 150th anniversary of the first ascent.
Thursday 6th August
After breakfast another scorching day so we walked all the way up to
Schwartsee, passed a pizza hut half way up! Had our picnic overlooking a lake and little chapel then
walked further up towards the Hornli Hut. Schwartsee also had live music
playing at the restaurant there! Bizarre! We then had an airy walk up
past the Hiri hut and then onto a metal walkway clinging to the rock!
Scary if you looked down. A bit like walking up the Tolbooth steps just
at 3000 metres! Walked back down to Zermatt for the usual four scoops.
Another brilliant day!
Friday 7th August
Took the underground train and cable car to Rothorn, taking up where we left off the other day to climb the 3415m Oberrothorn. Highest mountain I've climbed this holiday. Quite happy with my fitness levels especially in this heat. It was stunning! Another fantastic day! Walked back down to Blauherd, then train back down.
Took the underground train and cable car to Rothorn, taking up where we left off the other day to climb the 3415m Oberrothorn. Highest mountain I've climbed this holiday. Quite happy with my fitness levels especially in this heat. It was stunning! Another fantastic day! Walked back down to Blauherd, then train back down.
Saturday 8th August
Ewan wanted to go climbing so we took our heavy sacks and headed up on the cable car to Furi, a quick and easy way to get up there. Had a wander but couldn't see any sign of climbers or climbing crags. Quite unusual for a Saturday as in France, entire families go out cragging on a good day. maybe not so in Switzerland with so many big mountains to climb. Walked up to the Hanging Bridge a long suspension bridge over a huge gorge, very scary indeed! Took a few deep breaths then went for it. However I couldn't look down or take any photos whilst on it!
Had picnic lunch then went back down in the cable car for our four scoops ice cream. There is a lot happening in Zermatt this weekend, a food festival and a folklore festival. Started raining so we did some shopping for pressies! Another quick day!
Sunday 9th August
Woke up to pouring rain and thunder but don't mind because we have had a really good innings conidering we are in the Alps!
After breakfast we went down to the Main Street on Zermatt and watched the parade (part of the folklore and food festival) it was great with all the little villages in the parade, was quite a long parade! Afterwards bought some chocolate to bring home, then we had some food in the square, traditional sausage and potato salad whilst listening to traditional live music, great stuff - I love Switzerland!
Woke up to pouring rain and thunder but don't mind because we have had a really good innings conidering we are in the Alps!
After breakfast we went down to the Main Street on Zermatt and watched the parade (part of the folklore and food festival) it was great with all the little villages in the parade, was quite a long parade! Afterwards bought some chocolate to bring home, then we had some food in the square, traditional sausage and potato salad whilst listening to traditional live music, great stuff - I love Switzerland!
Monday 10th August
Last full day! It is dull again and visibility is poor. There is no point in going up high so we just decided to wander the streets of Zermatt and looking in the shops for pressies. It is all the same tat though - a bit like a Swiss Callander! There are also very expensive designer shops like Moncler, Patek Phillipe and Tag Heuer.
We went to the Zermatt Matterhorn Museum too and found out how they used to live, also how Edward Whymper came to Zermatt to take do illustrations and sketches of the mountains, but became enthralled by them, so started climbing. his was the first ascent of the Matterhorn, a race to beat the Italians up the other side. However after completing the ascent, four of the party slipped and fell to their death. Whymper was saved because the rope broke with the fall. There is some dispute around this story and whether in fact the rope broke or was cut!
Last full day! It is dull again and visibility is poor. There is no point in going up high so we just decided to wander the streets of Zermatt and looking in the shops for pressies. It is all the same tat though - a bit like a Swiss Callander! There are also very expensive designer shops like Moncler, Patek Phillipe and Tag Heuer.
We went to the Zermatt Matterhorn Museum too and found out how they used to live, also how Edward Whymper came to Zermatt to take do illustrations and sketches of the mountains, but became enthralled by them, so started climbing. his was the first ascent of the Matterhorn, a race to beat the Italians up the other side. However after completing the ascent, four of the party slipped and fell to their death. Whymper was saved because the rope broke with the fall. There is some dispute around this story and whether in fact the rope broke or was cut!
Tuesday 11th August
Travelling home. Last view of the Matterhorn with its pink tinge on top in the morning light. Great journey down to Visp with the mountains looking fantastic! So sad to leave this wonderful place but still lots to do so will be back one day!
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