October 23, 2022 • 61

LAPC #222: The Mountains Are Calling

What are men to rocks and mountains?

― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

In early October, we visited one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland and perhaps the world. It’s over 14,000 feet high (4,478 meters) and has a distinctive pyramid shape. The Matterhorn (Il Cervino) straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland. In fact, you can buy a ski pass that traverses the two countries.

For weeks we watched the weather forecast, the fabled mountain shrouded in clouds and rain. As we headed to Zermatt by train, the clouds hadn’t budged. We arrived in the pouring rain. The weather forecast for the next few days was improving, but still dismal.

The next morning around sunrise, Rich peered out the hotel window and told me to hurry and get my camera. This is what we saw. The Matterhorn lived up to its acclaim. As you can see, it’s stunningly beautiful.

Throughout the morning, the clouds rolled back in and were clinging to mountains and the rooftops. We wondered if our luck would return.

Finally the sun won the battle. The next two days were filled with sunshine. Unbelievable.

In the Valais region, visitors can climb, ski, trek, and snowshoe on trails winding over and around 38 mountains over 4,000 meters (14,000 feet).

Our goals were somewhat less ambitious. (Hint: you can laugh now.) On two different days, we took gondolas and railways to the summit of the Gornegrat mountain range and then the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Then we hiked on the way down, stopping at an alpine inn for some lunch.

At the summit of the Klein Matterhorn, visitors have 360 degree views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and the north face of the Matterhorn.

Here’s the view at 14,000 feet. As you can see, people ski, snowboard, and trek across the glaciers in October, and all year around. The beauty of the mountains left us speechless.

On our last night in Zermatt, the mountain gave us one more stunning vista at sunset. The mountain and its beauty will be forever etched into my memory.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.

― John Muir, The Mountains of California

I’m delighted that Amy has given us the chance this week to share our Alpine experience with you. John Muir wasn’t exaggerating. Our trip to Switzerland was a dream. The beauty of the mountains filled us with awe, peace, and great joy. I wouldn’t be surprised if my memories of the Alps lure me back for another visit.

We invite you to join Amy and all the Lens-Artists this week for The Mountains Are Calling. Don’t forget to link to Amy’s beautiful and inspiring post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can easily find your post in the Reader.

Last week, Ann-Christine invited us to share our flower favorites. Wow! What a dazzling collection she shared with us! Thanks to all of you who participated and spread your glorious flower “joy.” Next week, it’s John Steiner’s turn to lead us for LAPC #223. So be sure to visit Journeys with Johnbo next Saturday at noon to get all the details.

Until then, have a week filled with plenty of joy, sunshine, and inspiration!

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

Tagged as: , , , ,

61 replies »

  1. You lucky lady, Patti! There’s nothing quite like the awe of mountain peaks, is there, and this one is such a jewel. While I have no fondness for snow I’d have been very happy to hike some of those trails. Simply fabulous, especially that last shot.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Hi, Jo. It was fabulous and we were incredibly lucky. I had read about people that go two, three times for a glimpse of the mountain. Oh you hiked there! Wonderful. My hiking was mostly downhill. 😀😀😀

      Liked by 1 person

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  12. Well Patti, you surely had some perfect timing for this week’s challenge! Your images are beautiful as always – so glad the sun came out for you! That said, my favorite image this week is the cloudy mountain behind the chalets. that to me speaks 100% about life in Switzerland where the mountain is almost always a part of the landscape. Hard to compete with your closing sunset image though – magical indeed!

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    • Yes, that’s an iconic view of Switzerland…the village, mountains and clouds! An incredibly beautiful place. Far more beautiful than I expected. It was magical and I am so thankful for that!

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  15. That last photo is stunning! It certainly would be etched in my mind as well. I’ve only been to Switzerland once on a bus tour and remember well seeing the mountains there and how spectacular they are. Looks like the wait for clear weather was so worth it!

    Liked by 1 person

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  19. Loved all of this. I have been to Switzerland numerous times, and the crispness you captured from your camera is a soulfully special. More than that… the information was interesting. To get a ski pass for both countries is cool, and like you, my goals would be to snuggle into the gondola. The image from the Klein Matador was fantastic. To think you can walk on the edge of a mountain THAT high. wow

    As you mentioned, I am sure this trip was memorable. You were gifted this amazing weather to bring this amazing visit to us. I am grateful as I have never been seen it in this grandeur.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi, Donna. Wow. I’m touched by what you wrote. We were incredibly lucky to have 3 sunny days. And of course, I took hundreds of shots! I am still stunned by the novice skiers who take lessons at the top of the Klein Matterhorn….what a way to learn to ski! Thanks again for your thoughtful and kind comments! Have a good week.

      Liked by 1 person

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  21. I don’t think you can imagine how lucky you were, Patti! Clouds and rain is what we have got from this iconic mountain – more than once! Wonderful images! Thank you for showing us how this icon CAN look!

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. Pingback: Lens-ArtistPC-222-Mountains-Are-Calling – WoollyMuses

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