Rolle Château.
I made it to a little town and spent the night at a camp site on the outscirts. In the morning I continued and got a lift to Rolle which seemed very old and quaint. From there I was able to get a lift to Visp and then to Zermatt where I would spend the night to begin my hike in the morning. Zermatt is very touristy but I don’t mind mountain touristy because I like the wooded building and such.
I made it to a little town and spent the night at a camp site on the outscirts. In the morning I continued and got a lift to Rolle which seemed very old and quaint. From there I was able to get a lift to Visp and then to Zermatt where I would spend the night to begin my hike in the morning. Zermatt is very touristy but I don’t mind mountain touristy because I like the wooded building and such.
Lousanne had some nice buildings.
Museum in Lousanne
The Matterhorn at Sunset
While waiting for a lift this morning I received another revelation which filled me a deep sense of peace, confidence and love. It is moments like this and being able to meet good people that makes this trip so worthwhile. When I get up on top of the mountain I will fast for a few days and seek further inspiration and direction in prayer and meditation. Since I will be stationary, I don’t think it will affect my diabetes but we’ll see. If it doesn’t work and I get sick or my brain begins to shut down I will consider other things I have been fasting from for a few months as my fast and just continue in prayer and meditation for a few days.
While waiting for a lift this morning I received another revelation which filled me a deep sense of peace, confidence and love. It is moments like this and being able to meet good people that makes this trip so worthwhile. When I get up on top of the mountain I will fast for a few days and seek further inspiration and direction in prayer and meditation. Since I will be stationary, I don’t think it will affect my diabetes but we’ll see. If it doesn’t work and I get sick or my brain begins to shut down I will consider other things I have been fasting from for a few months as my fast and just continue in prayer and meditation for a few days.
The Matterhorn from Zermatt.
The hike to the summit of Gernergrat from the train station is about 10 miles (17km) but what they don’t tell you is that it is all uphill and not a graceful climb; some areas I had to nearly crawl to get up them. It is an 1800 meter (1 mile +) assent. People have been telling me I’m crazy throughout this pilgrimage but now I am beginning to believe them. They recommend a pack not heavier than 12kg (25lbs) and I am carrying a 40kg (80lbs) pack. The time estimated to climb it is 4-6 hours. It took me a little over 8 hours, and I was definitely tired. As I got toward the end I had to make little goals of about 30 meters at a time before I would rest to catch my breath. It wasn’t a problem for my legs (even the next day my legs never hurt) but after living at sea level for 5 years, the thin air was burning my lungs.
The hike to the summit of Gernergrat from the train station is about 10 miles (17km) but what they don’t tell you is that it is all uphill and not a graceful climb; some areas I had to nearly crawl to get up them. It is an 1800 meter (1 mile +) assent. People have been telling me I’m crazy throughout this pilgrimage but now I am beginning to believe them. They recommend a pack not heavier than 12kg (25lbs) and I am carrying a 40kg (80lbs) pack. The time estimated to climb it is 4-6 hours. It took me a little over 8 hours, and I was definitely tired. As I got toward the end I had to make little goals of about 30 meters at a time before I would rest to catch my breath. It wasn’t a problem for my legs (even the next day my legs never hurt) but after living at sea level for 5 years, the thin air was burning my lungs.
Getting up to the top was quite breath taking but I think the best views are from a train stop just before the top at a place called Riffelsee. There, was the most picturesque views. I ate one last time to replace lost energy then began my fast. The next day I found out that my stay would be shortened because there was a major storm coming that is to cause the temperature to plummet and bring a lot of snow. That was a shame to me but I would just have to make the most of what I could.
While in Essen, my blow up pillow began to leak air and I would wake up several times a night to fill it up. I finally decided this was not going to work. I went to several stores to see if I could find another but the only one who had them wanted like $10 for one and in England I paid about $2.50 for mine. I threw away the pillow and figured I would just have to use clothes for the time being but while going through my bag I came upon my water bladder. It was strong enough to hold water so I checked to see if it would hold air. It is very strong so I was able to not only use if for a head pillow but I also used it to lean on for more comfort in the tent. I wasn’t using it before but now I have a good use of it.
I was the only one with a tent and I never saw anyone else actually hike to the top. Everyone takes the train. However, my tent was somewhat of a novelty for many of the tourists and they took pictures of it. I spent several hours on the edge of a cliff reading scriptures but when my back and butt got tired, and the wind started blowing a bit making it cold, I decided to continue my reading in the tent. About an hour later I heard a couple young guys speaking English joking about my tent and saying, this guy is too serious. They then started taking pictures and were talking about pretending it was theirs, that they had climbed up the mountain and took a few more pictures. When it seemed as though they were done, I said, where are you guys from. They both were surprised saying “Whoa, sorry man!” I just told them it was fine, they can continue, I just thought it was funny. The next morning, while I was in my tent, an oriental woman in her own language was very brave and talking to a few friends, she tried lifting the tent skirt when I said, “Hello”. She screamed and started talking very fast in her language. It was all I could do to keep from busting out laughing.
Little church at the top of the mountain.
Well, my quest was fulfilled; I received an answer to my prayers. I was told what I yet lacked or the commandments I needed to live better in order to perfect myself. Among them were pride, controlling my thoughts better and telling the truth even if it hurts people. That is a difficult one because I don’t like to hurt people. I just hope I will be inspired to know how to respond in a non-hurtful manner. I am also amazed that even though I have nothing left to be proud of, I still tend to exalt myself when there is no need. My glory days are over and I should be content to be happy without desiring the approval or admiration of others.
Well, my quest was fulfilled; I received an answer to my prayers. I was told what I yet lacked or the commandments I needed to live better in order to perfect myself. Among them were pride, controlling my thoughts better and telling the truth even if it hurts people. That is a difficult one because I don’t like to hurt people. I just hope I will be inspired to know how to respond in a non-hurtful manner. I am also amazed that even though I have nothing left to be proud of, I still tend to exalt myself when there is no need. My glory days are over and I should be content to be happy without desiring the approval or admiration of others.
Just as I began my decent the snow began to fall. I am resting at one of the train stops because the bathroom has a plug so I can recharge my computer.
Zermatt
Check out the chairs with the sheep skin covers to keep people warm while sitting outside.
Zermatt souvenir shop
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