The Matterhorn has weather all of its own. 4.50pm, 17/08/12
First light on Monte Rosa. 6.05am, 18/08/12 Over dinner I had casually asked a neighbour who was also heading for the Rimpfischhorn what the normal rising time was -'2', he said - and I nearly choked on my spaghetti, expecting him to say 5, or 4 at the earliest. I lingered over breakfast and got going at 2.50am, a strategic distance behind a guided party as I was unsure of the route after Pfulwe. It was a clear, dark and surprisingly warm night.
Monte Rosa, the first sunlight. 6.30am, 18/08/12
