The Long Winding Path

The mountains watch. They don’t watch you though, they just watch. As you eye the sky and the mountains in the morning, trying to guess what the weather will be like. That pullover you don now, will likely become just weight in your pack. But the rain jacket also has to go in

As you start walking, generally upwards, It doesn’t take long for the most obvious signs of “Civilization” to start disappearing, but the signs of men, are still there

A full canteen, with fresh mountain water is the best ticket for the biggest spectacle

Those first steps, cold and wearing just the minimum clothing so as not to freeze but also not to sweat immediately, while the morning mist makes its best effort to rob you heat. cold water sloshing in the canteen, makes you shiver more. Target is to pass the low pastures as soon as possible and get to the forest, where it will be a wee warmer, and your muscles will have started pumping

Down at the valley, manicured and well marked paths make you think that maps and compasses are a things of the past

Overwhelming sunlight