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The Matterhorn is a very majestic peak with almost no equal. Now there's a cache high up, (about 10,556 feet above sea level), near the legendary Hornli Hutte, (where most climbers stay the night before moving up the Hornli Ridge toward the Matterhorn's summit), on the mountain trail which is part of the "normal route" for the ascent of the Matterhorn.
In 1865 the Matterhorn peak was successfully climbed to the summit for the first time by Englishman Edward Whymper and party. Sadly, on the descent a tragic accident occured and everyone in the climbing party was killed except Whymper and the father and son Taugwalder guides from Zermatt, Switzerland. (When visiting Zermatt, check out the Alpine Museum and discover all the details of this part of mountain climbing history and more!) You'll find the "What's Zermatter" cache in the Swiss Alps just near the base of the famous Matterhorn Peak. Located close to the Italian/Swiss border, Zermatt offers hikers, climbers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts the highest concentration of 14,000 foot + peaks in Switzerland. The view from the cache is spectacular and even "historic" considering its location near the starting point where so many famous mountain climbers set out for the summit of the Matterhorn. You'll have to work to climb/hike to this cache location, but if you find mountains inspiring, you'll find this place almost spiritual! In good weather conditions, the cache is reached via any of several routes from the valley below. Two main routes include the route from Zermatt up to Stafelalp, to Hirli and then Hornli...(the longer more strenuous route)... & via the Schwarzsee route to Hirli and then Hornli, which is also physically demanding but allows shorter access times to the cache due to the use of lifts from Zermatt to Schwarzsee. As mentioned, using lifts can eliminate some climbing, but even at that, be prepared to spend hours ascending the ridges to the Hornli Hutte. (From the nearest lift station at Schwarzsee, getting to the cache involves a 2 to 3 hour climb. In good weather sturdy hiking or climbing boots are required. There are some fixed ropes and metal ladder-type stairs which will assist you over some difficult passages of the trail. Hiking sticks or poles will also be beneficial. In snow or with winter conditions you must use caution and have proper gear like ice-ax, crampons, etc. Remember, no matter what the season, the view is fantastic, but the risk of injury should be considered. Never climb above your level of experience and NEVER climb beyond the cache on the actual Matterhorn without a professional guide such as can be hired in downtown Zermatt. May the Spirit of the Mountains be with and guide you!
The actual cache is a clear Rubbermaid-type container with a light blue lid. It is basically a square plastic container, about 8 x 8 x 8. The original cache contained the following:
1 - Cache Log Book (To be kept at the cache.)
1 - "Mountain Folk" T-Shirt, black, size large.
1 - Mountain Folk, "Mountain Spirit" CD.
1 - Panasonic "Team USA" Olympic Collector's Pin.
1 - Set of Geocaching explanations in German, French, Italian and English.
1 - Pen & Pencil
1 - CD containing a 2002 interview with famous Zermatt Bergfuhrer, (Mountain Leader/Guide), Ulrich Inderbinnen, who, at the age of 102, still lives and greets people at the Capricorn Art Gallery in Zermatt. Ulrich last climbed the Matterhorn at the age of 90!!!
1 - 5 Swiss Franc Coin...the finder can go back down to the hut and get a beer or hot chocolate or something!
1 - Mountain Guardian Angel Travel Bug
1 - Lightning Bug Travel Bug
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf ybpngrq whfg bss bs gur genvy gung pyvzof sebz gur Ubeayv Uhggr gb gur fgnegvat cbvag sbe gur Znggreubea pyvzo, (abezny ebhgr). Whfg cebprrq hc gur genvy naq ybbx sbe n pyrsg va gur ebpxf gb lbhe yrsg nf lbh nfpraq gur genvy. Gur pnpur unf orra jryy-uvqqra va gur pyrsg jvgu ebpxf va sebag bs vg naq hc naq bire vg. Fvapr gur pnpur vf whfg bss bs gur genvy naq vf cnffrq serdhragyl ol uvxref naq pyvzoref, cyrnfr or pnershy gb erpbaprny gur pnpur nsgre lbh svaq vg naq cebprrq jvgu guvf raqrnibe jvgu fbzr qrterr bs fgrnygu orvat pnershy abg gb tvirnjnl gur ybpngvba gb nal jub znl or cnffvat ol. (Jr cbfgrq n ybbxbhg jura perngvat gur pnpur fb vg jbhyq erznva n frperg!)