You know, JMF, the alpine countryside you hike in is probably very normal and unremarkable terrain to you (un terrain très normal et sans particularité pour vous). But to me and probably Jbee and others that live in the well-tamed environment of the UK or the dry expanses of Arizona, those mountains are spectacular and very primal. The amazing snow flecked blue mountains in the distance, the clouds viewed from above and the sheer height are all things rarely experienced by others (particularly me!). To be in warm sun and walking on snow is just so rare anywhere in the UK where you are more likely to need cover from the icy damp winds and grey drizzling skies on our hill and mountain tops. Your posts are an inspiration.
John
