The Chill of July Sleet

You can almost feel the chill in this photo. I get goosebumps just looking at it again.

It was last July in Switzerland. We had perfect, sunny weather for two days of hiking and ended up at a mountain hut called Blüemlisalphütte, about 9,200 feet above sea level.

As it got dark, the clouds came in. The temperature dropped, and there was even a little bit of sleet. The scene around the hut was fantastic _ the glaciers bathed in clouds, with the wind whipping the flag of the canton of Bern (with the bear on it).

Needless to say, we were grateful for the warm accommodations inside the hut. It's easier to spend a few moments out in the cold when you know there's a nice hot meal and comfortable place to sleep waiting for you inside.

Here's a daylight view looking back in the other direction. The hut is located on the ridge of a mountain pass, and the clouds _ as if by magic _ had stopped right at the top of the ridge. To the left, you can see the contours of the mountain. To the right, you can't see a thing.

Our hiking trip to Switzerland next summer includes hikes to two mountain huts. They aren't quite as remote as this one, but both hikes are wonderfully scenic and the accommodations warm and friendly. Please visit our website to took a look.


See you on the trails.

Joseph