As you can imagine, after 10 days of isolation, (going no further than the letter box and the rubbish bin), I was itching to get out for a long walk and, I have to say, it felt great to be ‘free’ again. The forecast was for brilliant blue skies and warm sunshine, so yesterday I chose to head for the Pointe du Tsaté at 3,077m or 10,095 ft.
Jude thought I was mad, because there was still quite a lot of snow on the mountain tops. But it didn’t look that deep and the route I would be taking was on a south facing slope.
After passing the Remointse du Tsaté lake at 2,500m, or 8,200ft, there was a mixture of snow (no more than 2 inches deep) and bare ground on the path for another 3 hundred metres (1,000 feet) or so of climbing. But as I reached the ridge to the summit I was faced with a 2 to 3 foot wall of snow, where the wind from the north had built it up. (Picture 29 doesn’t really do it justice). I admit that I had second thoughts at this point, but I was so close to the summit, I decided to go for it. And I was glad that I did, as I was rewarded with magnificent panoramic views in all directions.
The beautifully stacked stones at the summit also helped me to set up my camera for the selfie in picture 35. 😊
My apologies for so many photos, but I hope you will agree that it was quite an adventure which ought to be shared! (Picture 1 btw was taken from the bus on the way to La Forclaz. (It just shows how clean the Swiss bus windows are!) However, I just missed one on the way back, so I decided to walk the 4 km/2.5 miles back home to Evolène. Luckily it was all downhill!)
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
I’m glad you uploaded as many photos as you did. These are outstanding nature scenarios. Rough and beautiful at the same time.
Great you weren’t prevented from reaching the top cairn 🙂 What a view!!
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Thanks Hanna. I’m glad it wasn’t too much. I took so many photos it was difficult to know which to leave out! It was certainly worth the effort (and small risk) to get to the top.
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Never too many photos! Never enough is more like it. Winning pictures Mike! Outstanding views! I love the jubilation in your selfie. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for your support Sandra. I was pleased with the panorama (pic no. 34) just before or was it after my ‘celebration’! 😁
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I never tire of your snow-covered mountains, Mike! Beautiful views, beautiful captures!
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Thank you Donna. It was certainly a really ‘cool’ adventure! Hopefully I can capture some more mountain scenery this week. 😊
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I don’t think you can ever show too many of your images, I can not get enough of this amazing nature. To come out and experience this magnificent scenery after ten days of isolation must feel like a relief to both body and soul. And you are a very skilled photographer.
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Thank you Anita, you’re too kind. It was certainly a relief to get out, though my legs ached for 2 days afterwards!!
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