every time we visited the grand ballon, highest mountain of the vosges mountain range, in the past, we always had the misfortune of getting there when its peak was either surrounded by clouds or by fog. you see, it's of course a given that when staying in a mountainous region you simply have to deal with the weather changing every hour or so, and not always for the better. most of the times we started on a bright and sunny day and thought this would be the perfect time to finally have a clear view from this remarkable mountain only to arrive in uncomfortable weather conditions, in the middle of wet clouds and rough winds and with close to no view. the only time we had a good vista up there was many years ago, when i was still a teenager ( probably around 14 or something ) and that memory is quite hazy.
on this trip to the grand ballon we started with wonderfully crisp and clear and sunny weather again, and again, we arrived at our destination being all clouded and foggy and freaking cold.
but we didn't care, we were there now, we were in that moment and we wanted to try to make the most of our time while we were there. plus, it's been a long time since we visited 'le grand ballon'. so we tackled the steep path up onto the peak. and were rewarded with clouds parting temporarily for a good view down into the surrounding valleys. and guys, even though it's cold in the clouds, it is still one of the best things ever to be INSIDE them. to feel them as they pass you by. it is... indescribable.
in le val-d'ajol, really early in the morning.
on our way to the grand ballon. we were above the fog! so striking.
and down in the valley, under the blanket of fog.
typically french balcony.
and down the twisting roads. my mother always cries because of those streets, she hates them with all her heart. unlike me. i enjoy those narrow and steep and twisting roads way too much.
arriving at the grand ballon. the clouds were pretty heavy on the sky when we arrived.
remaining dew drops from the fog.
and upwards the path we went.
hiking. and stopping. and hiking. and stopping.
the first glimpse of the peak! on the right, the memorial 'les diables bleus' and on the right the radar station. the clouds gave way to a little bit of blue sky.
pink plants!
climbing higher and higher.
i was so delighted whenever the clouds lifted enough to give way to this amazing blue sky. and how it emblazed the surroundings! really emphasized the fall colours around us.
another shot of the radar station, partially covered with cloud material :D
almost at the top. cloud gaps were offering a great view already.
and then we finally reached the top. and were a little bit above the level of the clouds passing by! it was quite the sight to look down on them. really majestic. i think the only time you can get such a view other than from a mountain is when flying on a plane. underneath the clouds you can glimpse the region of alsace.
les diables bleus, a monument commemorating a battalion of the french mountain infantry.
the radar station was designed by claude vasconi. it's a pretty cool building, and the dome kinda reminds you of a balloon.
there is an observation deck as well, but on this picture we were embedded in clouds so you couldn't actually see a thing, haha.
more tiny sneak peeks down into the valley.
leaving the starship into a world of unknown dangers ;)
goodbye mothership!
passing by sharp cliffs.
tiny pathways leading down the mountain.
one of my very favourite nature things: windswept crippled mossy trees.
l'hôtel du club vosgien. they offer the famous tarte myrtilles, too, a delicious tarte with blueberries.
a strange looking sculpture. i don't know anymore what it was about.
the soft curves of the vosges mountains.
twisting roads again!
then we said goodbye to the grand ballon as well. other adventures awaited us!
le lac de la lauch. it's an artificial lake near the little village of murbach and it was pretty much parched when we visited.
loved the soil conditions. old tree stumps resurfaced where usually water is covering them,
an alien landscape.
greens turning into yellows and reds.
one last glimpse of the grand ballon! on to the next destination: l'abbaye de murbach.
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