Malene Lindgren-Hansen and her friend Pernille met up with Kathy in Zermatt, hoping to climb Pollux. The weather once again was the main character in this drama and prevented us from getting to the Guide d'Ayas hut. Instead, we ended up at the Guide de Cervinia hut, and in position to climb the Breithorn when the storm cleared.

Our first challenge was the fact that the Klein Matterhorn lift was closed due to high winds. We therefore opted to walk up to the Testa Grigia from Trockener Steg. Off we go, suited up for the coming rain and wind!

The Kleine Matterhorn is up in there somewhere... I guess we can see why they aren't running it.

By the time we got to Testa Grigia we were fairly wet and tired, but Manele still puts on a cheerful face.

Safely inside the hut, it's time to get out of wet clothes and have a cup of something hot. Even my camera is sodden.

There was time for a nap between thick, dry comforters!

The next morning dawned clear, though very cold. The first light appears as we look north down the Mattertal, with the Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn on the left, the Mischabel group on the right.

We leave the lights of the warm cabin behind...

Later, we enjoy views of the Matterhorn just after sunrise.

Being too far away for our originally planned climb of Pollux, we headed up the Breithorn instead.

Pernille looks down the steep north side of the summit ridge connecting the East and West peaks of Breithorn. Monte Rosa behind.

And it's the top! Down to town in time for Malene and Pernille to continue their trip, into Italy and a few more relaxing days.