ohtanninbound: Baggin' Peaks (almost) and Lunch in Italy

Today we rolled out of bed early in order to catch the 0700h train to Zurmatt.

Our plan was to attempt a summit called Breithorn (4164m). It was a wild morning as we took a giant gondola then regular sized lift to the highest point which was 3853m. Note sign at the top of the "Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Lift".

So we were prepared for our day of 'mountaineering light'.
Equipment we had:
2 sets of crampons
2 axes
our transceivers
rope
harnesses
extra clothes
water
skins
shovels
probes
food
compass
swiss army knife
helmet
ice screws
slings
beaners
maps

Equipment we used:
visa

Above is a shot of the peak we had hoped to do. However, when we got off the lift it was complete white out conditions and lovely winds whipping along. Quite desolate, barely anyone around, and only a narrow piste ahead. We had no idea where the cat track went, nor could we even see which direction the peak was. I was having palpitations at this point (from either too much coffee, fear, or from the 3000+ altitude gain I am not sure). John pointed out a 7 year old girl skiing by. I watched her hot pink poles disappear into the swirling snow. I was still unconvinced of our likelihood of survival if we went any further.
It was then that a 60 year old man with a neon green and pink one-piece whizzed by. I decided he was to be our beacon of safety. The guy's only gear was his pair of circa 1984 Ray Bans and his rear entry boots. He didn't look intent on bagging any peaks so we followed.
A short ride over the crest of the hill and we arrived here, the restaurant on the Italian side of the range.

"I love the Italian backcountry."

There I am enjoying a brie and proscuitto melt at 3700m. I had to resist the urge to splurge on a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Europeans are so civilized!
What, I ask you, is at the top of Sir Donald?
Well, I haven't been there but I doubt there is a hot Italian woman making delicious espresso at the summit.

It was interesting to note the physiological changes that occur at that elevation. John had had a few minutes of disorientation, and I noticed that even just sitting there drinking my espresso, I had to keep taking these large gulps of air. Crazy! I've never been up that high before. So we got within 300m of our intended summit. Lets not do the math at where the lift went to...

Voici John in front of the Matterhorn. Or as he puts it "doing the Matterhorn". Just after saying "I feel kind of lightheaded and dizzy but I don't think it is the altitude".