Quite a number of my walks go via mountain huts, or cabanes as they are called, possibly because they serve refreshments 🙂 , but mainly because they are built in some fantastic positions, with wonderful views. Today was no exception, as I drove for 20 minutes up to Arolla and then walked from there up to the Cabane de la Tsa (@2,607m / 8,550ft).
On the way, I captured a number of ‘different’ flowers, but I was particularly pleased to discover that my Alpine Flora book described the Tansy-leaved Rocket (see Pic 12) as being “rather rare” and occurring only in the SW region of the Valais in Switzerland. It also said that it only flowers in July, so I think this was quite a fortunate find. 🙂
In case you are wondering, the significance of the 1291 on the beer can, is that it was the year the Swiss Confederation was formed.
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Mountain cabins that serve refreshments? Beats a bothy! Switzerland is looking more attractive all the time!
LikeLike
Yes, I should do an article on mountain huts. The majority are more like 2 or 3 star hotels. They all vary, but most are staffed with a group of people serving evening meals and a basic breakfast. My walk with my mates last year (see e.g. https://alittlebitoutoffocus.com/2016/09/06/swiss-national-route-6-day-1-of-4/) went from hut to hut. It saves a lot of descending back to to the towns or villages!
LikeLike
Oh my goodness! All of your captures are beautiful. What an amazing view!! 😀
LikeLike
Thank you Jackie. The weather got greyer and greyer, so some of the pictures are a little dull, but I was pleased with the various plants that I found. Every walk has its surprises it seems! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks like quite a loop you made. Do you know how far around it is? That little thrush is well hidden, isn’t he. Lovely pictures! You always get great shots of the butterflies too!
LikeLike
Yes, my Swiss mobile Plus app tells me it was 7.69 km (4.75 m) with 781 m (2,562ft) of ascent and a hiking time of 3h 40mins. (I didn’t take my GPS, so I cannot verify that it’s what I did, but it seems about right). I heard some ‘shcreek’ing in the woods and looked to see what was making the noise, as it sounded unusual, and that’s what it must have been. We get a few of them in the fields about this time of year. As for the butterflies, there are so many… and it gives me a chance to have a rest while I capture them on camera! 🙂
LikeLike
All that climbing is what keeps you so conditioned for your marathons, 😁. An amazing hike.
LikeLike
I guess it keeps me ticking along, but you can’t beat pounding those roads or streets for getting really fit! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
#privileged just wow!
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos – it makes the effort hiking up there really worthwhile! 🙂 I hope to visit more huts this summer, as well as some peaks of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fantastic and picturesque hike, Mike. And how fortunate to come upon the Tansy-leaved Rocket in July.
LikeLike
Yes, it was a wonderful find. It didn’t look anything unusual, but life is full of surprises! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Walk from Arolla to Evolène, via the Cabane de la Tsa | Alittlebitoutoffocus