On Saturday, I had a few candidates in mind for my mountain adventure, but in the end, I decided to stick with my number one choice from the day before. I packed my backpack with everything I would need for the day, including snacks, water, and warm layers. The weather was chilly and cloudy, but I was determined to make the most of my day.
When I arrived at the trailhead for my mountain adventure, I noticed that there were only two other cars parked there. I looked around and saw that just one trace went into the trail. Lucky me, this meant that the trail was nicely visible, but it also meant that the day was going to be very lonely.
As soon as I started my hike on the trail, I immediately fell in love with the peace and solitude that surrounded me. The snow was a bit wet, but the lack of wind and abundance of silence made for a serene and tranquil atmosphere. I took my time, enjoying every step of the way. The scenery was breathtaking, with snow-covered trees and sparkling icicles that looked like diamonds. The only sounds I could hear were the crunch of my boots in the snow and the occasional chirping of a bird.
At some point the person who had made the footprints appeared from around the corner and headed down the trail. It seemed that I would now have the whole mountain to myself.
As I hiked further, the sense of isolation grew stronger. But rather than feeling lonely, I felt empowered by the freedom and independence that came with being alone in nature. The quiet allowed me to be more present in the moment, and I felt a sense of clarity and focus that is hard to achieve in the chaos of everyday life.
Higher up, I noticed that the temperature started to drop, just as I had expected. The snow also got deeper and powderier, which made walking a pure joy. Every step was like sinking into a fluffy pillow of snow. I could see getting closer and closer to the clouds. I was eager to reach them, as I thought that this would create a great mood for my adventure. And I wasn’t disappointed!
Further into the clouds, I couldn’t help but notice that the silence had become even more prominent. The only sounds were the crunch of snow under my feet and the occasional creaking of branches in the wind. The visibility was reduced, just as I had expected, but it only added to the sense of mystery and adventure. Every tree was covered in a layer of ice crystals, making the landscape look like something out of a fairytale. The atmosphere was incredibly special, and I felt like I was the only person in the world lucky enough to experience it. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of the mountains in such a unique and unforgettable way.
Leaving the forest and arriving at an alpine meadow, I knew that there were three huts located here. The trace of the hiker before me ended at the huts, meaning that I was now entering completely untouched terrain. As I sat there, taking a brief break and enjoying a snack, I realized that my planned route may not be the best option given the thick clouds and deep snow. I was hesitant to continue on the hillside, fearing the potential danger of an avalanche. Instead, I opted for a zero-risk policy and decided to head towards another peak that I had never visited before.
As I ascended towards the new peak, I continued to make steady progress with the help of my trusty snowshoes. The snow had become even deeper and more powdery and icy in wind exposed areas, but I was undeterred. I relished the sound of the iron claws on my snowshoes biting into the ice with each step, giving me the confidence to continue.
Meanwhile I had put on all my layers as I was fully exposed to the wind now. But my gear was trustworthy and kept me warm. Crossing over pure ice and over knee-deep snow, I continued to make my way towards the peak. Despite the challenging terrain, I was filled with a sense of joy and adventure. There was something magical about being out in the mountains, surrounded by nothing but the sound of my own breathing and the crunching of snow beneath my feet.
As the visibility was partly down to 50m and the soft light did not reveal any contours of the terrain, I followed the posts of an old fence that was leading directly up to the summit. Following the fence posts was a great decision as it kept me on track despite the reduced visibility.
At the summit, I took out my camera and started capturing the surroundings. The frosted trees, the ice crystals, and the reduced visibility all made for some incredibly moody shots. I wanted to capture the essence of this place, the feeling of being so small in a vast landscape, surrounded by the beauty and power of nature. As I snapped away, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience, for being able to witness such a unique moment in time.
After a while I decided it would be time to go down again. I packed my camera and headed down to the huts again. Going down through the deep snow was just as enjoyable as the ascent. Reaching the afore mentioned huts, I noticed a group of hikers coming up the trail. They asked me about my experience on the further path, and I warned them about the danger of avalanches. After a friendly conversation, we went our separate ways.
I finally took off my snowshoes as they would have been more of a hindrance than a help on this part of the trail. Once I reached the car, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I knew that this hike had been the best decision of the day, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and beautiful landscape.