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Author Topic: Alpine Walks in Valais  (Read 88068 times)

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #210 on: November 12, 2009, 08:23:28 PM »
David, thanks for your thoughts on my behalf and I'm delighted to see that the quote from John Blanchard's book confirms that the Narcissus Poeticus (Pheasants Eye narcissus) will grow with me in Valais at 1200 metres on my wild slope - I have just planted several as an experiment  :D  I adore this flower and its scent but only know of it growing here in Vaud up above Montreux - you've made my day/night!
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Armin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #211 on: November 12, 2009, 10:48:02 PM »
Robin,
I had visited Vaud above Montreux with some thausands of poeticus in flower in May mid 90's.
It was an unforgettable moment - similar like the Swiss crocus meadows ;D
Best wishes
Armin

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #212 on: November 13, 2009, 09:16:20 AM »
Armin, I know how you feel, the sheer scale of such a beautiful Narcissus growing wild in the Alpine meadows is breathtaking and we went late in the afternoon so no one else was there just us and the vision...and the scent was unforgettable  :)
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Armin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #213 on: November 13, 2009, 05:58:21 PM »
Robin,
yes I agree in all points. Unfortunately I had no photo camera with me but the fantastic image was burned in my head forever.
If I find a time slot I have to go there once more. Too beautiful!
 
Best wishes
Armin

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #214 on: November 19, 2009, 10:29:16 PM »
Not a breath of wind, only the sound of alpine birds squabbling in the tree tops and flying off at speed or languidly …
« Last Edit: November 19, 2009, 10:38:41 PM by Ragged Robin »
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #215 on: November 19, 2009, 10:33:34 PM »
Overhead from craggy outcrops two buzzards wheel in slow circles and one flexes wings below its claws, stretching wings before setting off across the valley mewing to one another.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #216 on: November 19, 2009, 10:36:40 PM »
Garden birds chitter and chatter and dive from tree to bush – they seem hungrier now in the bare twig November days, scoffing the last mellow apples, listening for worms, on the look-out for tasty berries; pre-empting the lean winter months closing in.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #217 on: November 19, 2009, 10:41:17 PM »
Protected by the forest trees a wild world is hidden until a startled woodpecker breaks cover and disappears in a flash - leaving yellow leaves all a-tremble - soon the forest will be evergreen.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #218 on: November 19, 2009, 10:45:21 PM »
Firs and pines are handsome in their winter needles, branches spread out like welcoming arms embracing the perfect place to shelter in…
« Last Edit: November 19, 2009, 10:54:58 PM by Ragged Robin »
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #219 on: November 19, 2009, 10:48:17 PM »
....or on the rocky slope a dark entrance under a ferny boulder makes a perfect hideout for a forest creature to hibernate.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #220 on: November 19, 2009, 10:50:08 PM »
Underfoot a carpet of damp leaves muffles the sound of anything that stirs. 
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #221 on: November 19, 2009, 10:51:41 PM »
Deep in the forest Chamois leap over green mosses and past a finale of red berries adorning naked branches
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #222 on: November 19, 2009, 10:54:15 PM »
With no looking back trees bid farewell to the year, lit up in the evening light, and soon the forest will be covered in a blanket of white
« Last Edit: November 19, 2009, 11:02:50 PM by Ragged Robin »
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

angie

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #223 on: November 19, 2009, 11:00:37 PM »
Fantastic photography Robin, enjoyed the ones with the birds and those lovely blue skies what a joy to be walking under those skies.
Angie :)
Angie T.
....just outside Aberdeen in North East Scotland

Maggi Young

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #224 on: November 19, 2009, 11:04:14 PM »
My, Robin, for anyone with an iota of interest in alpine matters, plants or otherwise, you have treated us to another magical walk.  8) Movingly expressed, thank you!
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

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