The long summer days are behind us already, filled with lots of gardening. We saw evidence of lush growth after the ample rains of early summer, lots of flowers, pollinators of all kinds, more weeds than were welcomed, many people enjoying being out when possible, and others grateful for help as other parts of life took precedence. Linda continues to enjoy getting to some gardens on her e-assist cargo bike, but Edwin still finds the truck and trailer too useful for now. Right now we are enjoying the shift to more fall-like weather, with sweaters in the morning, plenty to harvest from the vegetable garden, and dahlias in their glory.
Many of you know that Edwin and our daughter Saskia headed to the Alps for a 2 week trip hiking hut to hut in an area on the Austrian-Italian border, near where the Oetzi mummy was found. Many people have asked about pictures, so here are a selection from their trip. Lots of pictures, few words:
Starting in Vent, with green valleys, farms, stonework, flowers. Then heading up into the mountains.
Overnights were in 'huts' that are part of the local hiking and mountaineering system.
Flowers, cows, horses, water in its many forms along the way:
You go to the mountains for many reasons, but 'views' is a big one. The weather cooperated with many clear mornings and mostly fair weather clouds. Some of the mountain views that were savored over the course of those days:
The trip started with Edwin and Saskia, but they were later joined by our other daughter, Truuske, and her partner Melvin. With the four together, they were able to climb a few higher peaks, and with appropriate gear, traverse some glaciers and head higher up.
Every trip has to come to an end - but luckily this one had a train ride to ease the transition back to lower ground.
