Breakfast in the Hotel Europe was filling and nutritious. Boiled eggs were added to the standard fare and I had two. There were a couple of tour bus groups and breakfast was a bit competitive. Don't get in the way of 60 retirees and their buffet.
The hike today was 14.5km or 9 miles. We gained elevation directly from Zinal and climbed more Swissbacks before we leveled off on a traversing trail high above the valley floor. The scenery was absolutely stunning. The trail took us above the trees and then undulating through alpine meadows.
After 10km we stopped at the Hotel Weisshorn, a destination stay accessible only by walking. The hotel looks over the valley, across the Rhone towards the Bernese Alps in the front and back towards the Weisshorn. Stunning.
After some ackward cultural faux pas we ordered some cappuccinos and then were allowed to eat our picnic lunch.
Corie has been hiking with us for a couple of days now. When we were ready to leave this morning she asked if she could join us today, at least as far as the Hotel Weisshorn where she has reservations. The hike was simply pleasant. However we had to say goodbye to Corie as her journey ends tomorrow and our paths part. I shall miss her smile.
We had another 4 1/2km down and around the basin to the Cabane Bella-Tola. The trail is not as straight forward or marked as expected, but some friendly elderly ladies hiking to the Hotel Weisshorn saw us bewildered and gave us confidence in our directions.
Cabane Bella-Tola is simply breathtaking. We look back up the valley towards Zinal with the Hotel Weisshorn in view. They say we should be able to see the tip of the Matterhorn but clouds are on the horizon.
After a couple hours of peace and quiet, about 24 high schoolers invaded. Unsupervised youth act the same world wide. The very good potatoes and kabob with veggies, sausage and chicken was only overshadowed by the noise 24 kids can make. They are actually a high school outdoor outing intended to take the kids outside, but most are rampaging in the dorm area with earbuds and iPhones.
The sun is setting. It's time to take in the views.
You should write a book!
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