Beauties and the Beast

Here’s a question, how often are you stopped in your tracks by beauty each day? That kind of question could easily lead to people sounding smug without meaning to.

 

Often I read on Facebook how people are chuffed in life; they love their current situations and are constantly full of the joys of spring. To be honest I’m probably guilty of such statements myself in the past during winters, especially if fresh powder and happy clients are involved. But yet again, even though the snow has gone, I’ve been constantly stopped in my tracks by beauty this last week.

This time it’s because Harriet and I have ventured further into the amazing Vanoise National Park. With the snow fast disappearing from the mountains we were distracted by huge peaks - bright white glaciers still covered in fresh snow - towering above deep lush valleys. We were being exposed to some magnificent wildlife: Canon and I have been on overdrive it has to be said.

  

We’ve enjoyed observing Bouquetin (more commonly known as Ibex) and Marmots in their natural environment.

Plus we’ve studied the maps and have investigated old traditional farming hamlets and villages that have been occupied for generations.

But the thing is, are they occupied because these hamlets and villages appear deserted. They are spooky places, occasionally we saw shadows move, we heard something cough in the background, smelt farm yard smells and saw evidence of activity but weren’t sure what. But we hardly saw man nor beast in these places.

That all changed at the weekend when we went to visit friends over in Chamonix. Suddenly we were surrounded by loads of people in this bustling town, but if anything the scenery was even more stunning.

Joy and Jim are both very busy with work during the winter as well. So it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with them just after their season had finished. Joy is an International Mountain Leader (‘accompagnateur’) and a Pilates instructor amongst many other things, and Jim is a High Mountain Guide. We had great fun reviewing our winters and spoke about many things that stopped us in our tracks. What I found interesting was that we all spoke with passion about how much we are looking forward to next winter already.

Harriet and I leave Méribel today, and I’ll be honest to say I’m gutted. However, I’ve got loads to look forward this summer. I’ll be back in a driving school car in a couple of weeks time, not with BSM this summer but with an exciting new school just starting in Leamington Spa. Next week I’ll be attending another intensive Photography Workshop in Derbyshire, specialising in Wedding photography. This will be the launch pad for further photographic motivation and a possible lead for work. With several weddings in the pipe line already I can’t wait get going this summer.

I hope you’ve all enjoyed reading my blog again this winter. Have a great summer everyone. Don’t worry, only 219 days until the lifts open again next winter.

Martin