Matterhorn – Le Cervin 1

July 11th

Distance: 13,1 km
Time: 14 hours.
Vertical distance: 1850 m up and down. The Matterhorn is a big mountain!

We had arranged to meet at 3.30 a.m. Giorgio, the Italian guide arrived on a motorbike before 3 a.m., I heard him and got up for a quick cup of coffee with him.  Then off in the dark.  He spoke good French and turned out to be excellent.  About 45 years old, he knew every inch of the way, every short cut, every piton.  We made good progress and reached the summit at 10.15, having rested half an hour at the Carrel hut for a cup or two of tea.  There are many fixed ropes along the way where you must pull yourself up with your arms, which I found quite tiring. Good weather but a strong cold wind on the ridges. And a continuous ballet of sightseeing helicopters buzzing around the mountain, full of rich tourists.

Going down took about the same time as the guide was more cautious, or more tired?  At the fixed ropes, he lowered me down on a rope like a sack of potatoes – except that I had to stay fairly horizontal and put my feet in the right places.  This way saved time and was easier for me.  The whole climb was a unique and wonderful experience!

Meanwhile Dave had to hang around all day at the hut.  I was “rewarded” by being given a proper bed for the night.

Photos:

1. On the summit
2. and 3.  The guide Giorgio Cazzanelli