RDA Fans

[Paya]

Down to the centre, we could see telltale signs of the upcoming spring.



As we walked on along the local shops, the village turned out to be quite figure-friendly:

[Paya]

We continued our window-shopping when suddenly something totally unexpected happened. We popped in one of the shops, where Jack found that nice vintage backpack full of mountaneering equipment. He was so insistent that he left no room for discussion. I simply had to buy it.
Our program for the next day was quite obvious.
Jack let his skis rest, grabbed his new backpack and went on a hike.



I was following on all fours, trying not to slide down...



...while Jack was easily weaving his way through the steep field of ice and rocks.



Is there anything the man can’t do?

[Paya]

Paja: Jack?
Jack: Hm?
Paja: Are we there yet?
Jack: Nope.



Paja: Not yet?
Jack: Hold on.





Jack: Come on. It’s a great view from here.
Paja: Heh.



Alright, let’s admit it: I was tired, out of breath, hands and knees scraped from rough rocks, clothes wet from the melting firn, head swinging from the high altitude. But would you give up with a mountain guide like this one?

[Paya]

To my utter relief, Jack shrugged off his backpack. A gesture that I loved immediately.



Jack [with a lopsided grin]: Time for a little smackerel of something?



Jack: What a perfect day.
Paja [wheezing]: Indeed.



Jack was either satisfied enough with the climbing exercise or he adapted to my less than excellent condition, I don’t know. It didn’t matter. The fact was that we didn’t climb any higher, but stayed at that rock instead, sitting, enjoying the scenery and listening to the calming sounds of silence. It was like both of us were trying to absorb as much of the beauty before we left for home.

It was the last day of our vacation, the sun was slowly moving down to the horizon, telling us it was time to go. We gathered our equipment, took a last look at the ice kingdom, and started our descent.



Snowy highway leading home.

[Paya]

A quick check of the information table approved the winter was receding: +11°C, and those red dots show lifts that have been closed. Their number was constantly growing.



The very last ride. We are saying our goodbye to the mountains.



Farewell Valais!



The weather was crazy this year, but it was a great week anyway.



Jack: Hey. Why don't we take this one too? For Astra?
Paja: Sure thing.



In the next morning, we packed and headed for home. Looking through the car window, lost in memories, full of new experiences, hoping we would come back one day. And carrying this picture in our heads of the winter that turned into summer overnight. Freshly green grass, white mountain-tops and clear blue sky - these are the colours of the Swiss Alps:



--- End of story ---

Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoyed the series.

Another of Jack’s winter adventures, a very special one, coming soon!

(And you may already suspect what’s in store for Jack the next time... )

[KateR]

[Pamk1950]

I too, like Kate, have had enough snow this winter but would love to be there in the Alps. Absolutely gorgeous pictures.


Take care

Pam
_________________


She dreams of Mermaids, Motorcycles and a man that can Dance.

LIFE isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about leaning to DANCE in the rain

[yolie]

Awesome photos of your trip in the Alps. looks so beautiful and love the adventures of you and Jack with every storyline and you are so handy with the camara. You must have albums of all your adventures.
Really appreciate your time and effort to bring your memories to us fans. Loved the new backpack you got for Jack, so cute!! Thanks for posting.

[Astra]

Oooooh! I love the backpack! It has real handles which can be used indeed? And you can even take out the things like the water bottle and the other thing Jack has, which name I don't know? That is totally awesome!