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Author Topic: Alpine Walks in Valais  (Read 106890 times)

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #120 on: July 16, 2009, 05:12:10 PM »
Bright colours and bold patterns warn: ‘beware!  This is my spot!’
Bees mind their own business, buzzing from flower to flower – already visited a hundred times before and still giving nectar – until their pollen sacs are full and they have to fly on the path home
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #121 on: July 16, 2009, 05:12:55 PM »
And so the path comes to an end, leaving time to reflect on this complex community, vibrantly living on the Alpine mountainside; that could so easily have been passed by.
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ian Y

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #122 on: July 16, 2009, 06:54:24 PM »
What a wonderful thread Robin, I don't often get chance to log myself in as some one else usually sits here and it is easier for me to just view the posts.

But I want to say how much I enjoy your pictures and words.......I look forward to many more.
Ian Young, Aberdeen North East Scotland   - 
The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
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Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #123 on: July 16, 2009, 08:28:49 PM »
Thank you so much Ian - I'm extremely pleased you are enjoying this thread from Valais  :) 

It's wonderful to feel that walks can be shared with everyone and certainly makes me look at things more closely - I'm still puzzling over the variety of different leaves on plants I thought I knew, so it's two-way process  :)

Maggi has such an amazing way of bringing the best out of us Members, which is a real gift and a tremendous support, but to do all that she has to occupy the 'Hot Seat' so I'm glad you have given her a breather  ;D
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

tonyg

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #124 on: July 16, 2009, 09:50:00 PM »
Wonderful wildlife - I'll show Amy the butterfly pics.  She may be only six but she can already identify our common species.  Recently when we spotted a small blue butterfly in the garden she piped up with "that'll probably be a Holy Blue" :) :)  With plenty of holly in the garden its likely she got it right :)

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #125 on: July 16, 2009, 10:39:46 PM »
Great idea, Tony, tell Amy I'll be happy to know what they are all called so keep me posted   ;)  Every day new ones appear to keep me guessing but I'm beginning to recognise their characters, the way they fly and what flowers they like to feed on   ;D
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Blue-bellied Frog

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #126 on: July 17, 2009, 12:17:14 AM »
For the third photo of reply 120, I think it is Echium vulgare.
Bernard Morin, Stoneham, Québec, Canada, Zone 4B

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #127 on: July 17, 2009, 07:09:33 AM »
For the third photo of reply 120, I think it is Echium vulgare.
Thanks for your ID Bernard, this plant has the most intense blue flowers - reminding me of Gentiana blue - and the bees enter each level of flowerhead so it gives time to look the flowers and bee together   :)  PS I see from your title blue is your colour too!
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Luc Gilgemyn

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #128 on: July 17, 2009, 08:26:17 AM »
Another very relaxing and most enjoyable trip you've taken us on Robin ! 

Thanks ever so much !  ;)
Luc Gilgemyn
Harelbeke - Belgium

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #129 on: July 17, 2009, 08:32:08 AM »
Good to know you're enjoying this thread Luc and thanks for your support and interest  ;)

Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Brian Ellis

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #130 on: July 17, 2009, 09:48:26 AM »
Well I too have enjoyed the walk this morning, now I'd better get outside and do my own!  Thanks Robin 8)
Brian Ellis, Brooke, Norfolk UK. altitude 30m Mintemp -8C

Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #131 on: July 17, 2009, 10:40:06 AM »
Hope you see lots of interesting plants and wildlife Brian and thanks for visiting this walk - really glad you enjoyed it  ;)
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Richardg

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #132 on: July 17, 2009, 12:06:43 PM »
Mum,

I have been through all the postings and have been fascinated to see how much people value your work.  It really touched me to see you embracing your time / walks in Switzerland and finding people who are genuinely interested in hearing about your discoveries.  The photos of the butterflies / mountain are absolutely amazing.  I struggle to even pronounce the names let alone identify and spell them correctly!!  Lucky you have people that can point you in the right direction.

Like Tanya, I don’t think the pavements of West London offer many sights worthy of a posting on your forum.  If I discover anything unusual I will snap a picture..... not to the same level and precision that you have managed.

Keep up the good work and thanks to you all for welcoming “Ragged Robin” aka mum to group xxx

Maggi Young

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #133 on: July 17, 2009, 12:42:35 PM »
Hi, Richard! This is lovely, a family gathering in the literal as well as the metaphorical sense of the Forum.....what could be nicer?

You're in West London, Tanya is in East ..... have you got a couple of other siblings in N and S, too? We could soon have complete coverage of England's capital, direct to the SRGC.... It could be a flora and fauna coup !
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

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Ragged Robin

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Re: Alpine Walks in Valais
« Reply #134 on: July 17, 2009, 01:41:20 PM »
Rich, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the walks and photos - thanks for your great comments of encouragement.  You have terrific photographic skills and an eye for what makes a good image 'though not may be plants  ;D  However I do know you like plants and grow them well so how about an Alpine miniature rock garden in your flat  ::)  ;)
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

 


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