Gemmenalphorn 2061m

Left the campsite at 7.15 am, the weather forecast was good until mid afternoon and we had a longish hike planned. After 20 mins, we were up in the village, enjoying a quick breakfast at the bakery, and fresh bread was bought to take on the hike. We moved steeply above the village through the forest, and between the limestone cliffs of the Birengraben. This opened a little into Bergfeld, a beautiful slight bog area half way up. Then found a great path just below the ridge, with the most amazing limestone pavements, and beautiful wild flowers. Had a spot of lunch at a little stream, then the final push onto the ridge, and up to the top of the Gemmenalphorn. The sun disappeared for half an hour, and it was quite windy, so we didn't linger, but headed back along the ridge. There were stupendous views to both sides, the giant Bernese Alps to the south, and Justiztal and Sigriswilerrothorn to the North. Fantastic limestone towers, glacial roads, caves, every turn revealed a new vista. Unfortunately, no sightings of the Steinbock (ibex?) that my daughter saw 2 weeks before.
So, after about 1200m of ascent and 12km, we arrived at the top of the Niederhorn, where we had a drink, watched the storm clouds gathering, then took the cable car back down to Beatenberg.
Back at the campsite, the 70 kmh winds came, heavy rain, and the new tent seems to have stood up very well.