to Zermatt

So Adam and Jeremy came through to visit on their way through Europe. It was great to see them, energized from seeing a Toots and Maytals concert last night, and happy to get up to camp in time to get a free dinner. We all played soccer with my group, who were enthralled to have older people there who they could impress. At around 730 we took off to Zermatt from Montana, with HIlary and Ruth (two other counselors who wanted to get a day in Zermatt), driving through dramatic lightening storms. Getting to Zermatt in the drenching rain at around 10, we made it to our hostel. Since Ruth and Hilary had made plans to go to Zermatt at the last second they didn't have reservations at our hostel. After they got sent out to look for some other hotels which were actually closed, they ended up deciding to just go to the club get drunk, and pitch a tent in someone else's lawn. That was their back up plan all along...

The next day, me, Adam and Jeremy, took off in the rain with hopes to see the peak of the Matterhorn. Undeterred by the weather, we went up, to the left hand side of Zermatt. The higher we got, the harder the rain came down. So when we spotted a high cave about 30 feet above the trail, the idea for an Elevensies break was a no-brainer. Fresh bread, salami, cheese, and cucumber. Can't get any better. The torrential rains were even worse after our first snack so we headed back, hoping for better weather. Fortunately we got it, and then headed up the other trail leaving Zermatt, the same one I remember coming back on from the Haute Route. We made it quite high, and then saw another high cliff that looked climbable. Jeremy and I both climbed about a 30 foot ledge, got scared shitless while I was on it, but so worth it to stand high on the precipice. The whole time, the Matterhorn was playing games with us, peeking bits and portions of it, but never fully revealing itself behind the clouds.

All in all, it didn't matter, it was great company, and so good to catch up with my friends and get out of camp for two days. On the way back, I was listening to Djembe music in the car for one of the stunts that we are preparing for stunt night..