We are off again to see how similar / different the mountains are today. The top temp is expected to be around 30 degrees. The sky is clear blue and there are no visible clouds at the moment, however, this can change at any time - so the locals tell us.

We decided to go up to the Rothorn 3103m above sea level.

The first part of the journey was a funicular that runs underground underneath the chalets. After that we hopped on a gondola and finally for the steepest part of the journey a large cable car.

At the top we were greeted by the Matterhorn standing proudly with a blue sky above it. The surrounding landscape was rocky and full of small rocks many of which were mica glowing in the sunlight.

A short walk around the top was dotted with signs that recognised people who had conquered the Matterhorn - all the plaques had 'meaning of life statements'.

John had decided that we were going to do the 5-seeweg walk that takes you around 5 different lakes. He told me it would take 2½ hours. We started walking down a very steep slope & I decided that I wasn't tackling the incline particularly as the path was about 2 feet wide and it disappeared around a corner, 2m from the start.

After some negotiations and rechecking the walking map we found the correct route that was much more comfortable and easy going, until my knee decided to give way after the 2nd lake. I hobbled in pain until after the 4th lake. We got to the top of a peak and realised the route was now going straight down into a valley and up a steep incline back to meet up with the funicular at Sunnegga.

No way was I able to even look at what was ahead let alone try & take that route, although I had considered doing so just so we could get back to Zermatt & get 'home'.

John met an English couple & they convinced us to take the path they had just walked from Riffelalp station of the Gornergrat train. It took us over an hour to get to the station & eventually back 'home'. All up we walked for about 4½ hours.

We were both knackered & after a nanny nap, my knee felt somewhat better. I checked the walking map & discovered that the walk / hike that John had planned was 9.3km long - even if we had walked on flat bitumen it would have taken us about 2 hours, so where did the Swiss get 2½ hours for the walk.

Anyway after dinner we set off back into Zermatt to see the lights on the Matterhorn & now I am off to bed.