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Author Topic: Alpine Walks in Valais  (Read 87045 times)

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #255 on: January 13, 2010, 05:55:18 PM »
...and where the sunlight reaches icicles drip and wet mosses burst into green as if to prove that winter cannot freeze them totally.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #256 on: January 13, 2010, 05:58:37 PM »
Not for want of trying, as the fallen snow traces every branch and twig, clothing every rock and needle and cone in white....
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #257 on: January 13, 2010, 06:01:39 PM »
...a winter coat wrapped round trees weighing them down as they succumb on bended knees to touch the ground and snowy forest floor.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #258 on: January 13, 2010, 06:04:24 PM »
And where the sunlight does not reach the snow stays longer, a chilly blue white in the shade and the chill turns to ice on the still flowing waterfall until it too will freeze under the bridge as winter deepens its grip in the Swiss Alps.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #259 on: January 13, 2010, 06:22:22 PM »
Robin,

Absolutely wonderful images. Amazing scenes, some of the picture-postcard standard. As always, it's great to join you on your rambles.

What is that in image 44?

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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ranunculus

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #260 on: January 13, 2010, 06:23:33 PM »
Some GLORIOUS images, Robin ... you live in a magnificent area.

Looks like a viewing platform/bridge over the falls, Paddy.
« Last Edit: January 13, 2010, 06:25:49 PM by ranunculus »
Cliff Booker
Behind a camera in Whitworth. Lancashire. England.

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #261 on: January 13, 2010, 06:29:44 PM »
Quote
What is that in image 44?

Paddy, so good you joined the rambling walk which also was quite brisk at times due to the cold!!

The bridge in photo 44 was built by locals who over the years have constructed a walkway up the rock face to the top of the gorges.  It's no mean feat to climb it especially in snowy, icy weather but all those who stayed here this Christmas/New Year were up to the challenge(and the fondue and beer at the small alpine restaurant at the top!)
 
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #262 on: January 13, 2010, 06:33:13 PM »
Cliff, the views are stunning in the winter from the top of the ski slopes and for those I have to thank Richard, an avid skier/photographer, and his 2 snowbound friends on the T bar  8)
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #263 on: January 13, 2010, 06:34:33 PM »
Well, fondue and beer at the top is a reasonable incentive to climb upwards, though they are an odd combination.

It is an amazing construction, as you say.

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #264 on: January 13, 2010, 06:38:17 PM »
 ::) well maybe it was Valaisanne wine, Paddy, anyway they made it home down the mountain road, through the icicle tunnels, after dark  :o
« Last Edit: January 13, 2010, 07:37:59 PM by Ragged Robin »
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #265 on: January 13, 2010, 06:41:20 PM »
OK, I'd climb for that. Anything else besides fondue?

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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Paddy Tobin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #266 on: January 13, 2010, 06:42:12 PM »
Now, Robin, the accepted answer here in Ireland for the question above is, "Ah, feck off"

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #267 on: January 13, 2010, 06:51:14 PM »
Everything has to be carried up by backpack or a motorised snow sled, Paddy so simple but good fare including a delicious rich mountain stew, macaroni, and various dried meats from the region plus salads - it's an old chalet with great atmosphere and B&B but you have to walk to get to it in the winter  ;)
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #268 on: January 13, 2010, 07:01:12 PM »
OK, You've convinced me. I'm on the way - oh, wait, I have to collect John from school. Some other time, perhaps.

Paddy
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Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #269 on: January 13, 2010, 07:03:17 PM »
I'll book a table when you're ready for some alpine air  8)

http://www.vallondevan.ch/index.php?title=3
« Last Edit: January 13, 2010, 07:37:13 PM by Ragged Robin »
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

 


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