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The first week of this two-centre holiday was spent in Zermatt,
in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Miraculously, the skies were clear, the
views breathtaking, and the alpine flowers magnificent.
Our first excursion by gondola and cable-car to Schwarzsee provided
tremendous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the approaches
to the Matterhorn (below left). Not far away, the harsh rocky surroundings
of Trockener Steg at over 10000ft concealed many superb saxifrages.
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The "Alpine Metro" from Zermatt to Sunegga took us to many gentle
mountain paths, with pulsatillas, orchids, gentians (bottom right) and
all manner of other plants. But best of all was the cog railway trip to
Gornergratt, where wild Ibex (right) sparred on the edge of a precipice,
with stunning plants of Androsace alpina (top right) carpeting the
ground.
The second week was spent in Saas Fee, perched at about 6000ft and overshadowed
by impressive glaciers. Our first excursion here was by bus and cable-car
to Hoh Saas at over 10,000ft (top left) via Kreuzboden. Here the flowers
were amazing, including fine specimens of the "King-of-the-Alps" (Eritrichium
nanum). The walk down to the valley revealed several species not noticed
around Zermatt. |
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The final excursion was to Langfluh on a desolate rock between
two glaciers where the flowers, although fascinating, were few and far
between. But the return journey via Spielboden took us through the world
of the Marmots (bottom left) - a never-to-be-forgotten treat!
 
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