In August 2017, I took my youth group, where I volunteer as an adult leader, to Kandersteg in Switzerland. We camped there for 10 days and had lots of nice activities planned. The most exciting of which was a 2 day hike across the glacier and to the peak of Hockenhorn. The mountain is in the Bernese Alps and at its peak is 3,293 metres.
This was a thrilling chance for me. I love hill walking and in the UK the highest peak is Ben Nevis with a peak of 1,345 metres. This was a whole new challenge. It had taken months of planning to ensure the safety of the young people that we were taking with us.
When we set off, it started raining hard. The type of rain that eventually soaks through even the best waterproofs that you are wearing. It was a relentless wet climb.
Despite the rain, the scenery was breath taking and the air was so fresh. After months of anticipation of our summit climb our adrenaline was high and we were in good spirits. The young people in the group were having a lot of fun.
Things suddenly changed though. The weather turned worse and as we got to higher altitude the rain turned to heavy snow. Visibility dropped and we were surrounded by rolling clouds.
We pressed on climbing up for another hour or so until we reached one of our check points which was a log cabin on the mountain side. We took refuge from the snow storm. Who could have believed it would snow so hard in August!
The weather was really bad and the cover photo above was taken from the door of the mountain hut. Its a colour photo but difficult to see any colour in these conditions!
Some of the young people were getting cold so we changed into dry clothes and made some hot drinks for everyone.
Unfortunately, our risk assessment meant it was too dangerous to carry on with our ascent. Months of planning thwarted by the plans of mother nature.
That is why I chose this as my favourite moment with nature. Surrounded by beauty, invigorating but at the same time, uncontrollable. You need to respect nature in all its forms!
After warming up and taking some much needed nourishment, we set off back down the mountain. It was still going to take the rest of the day to get back down so we had to make a move.
The weather actually cleared a bit as we got back down the mountain and at least we could enjoy better some of the spectacular views on the mountainside.
We were meant to go back last year and attempt the climb again but this time Covid thwarted our plans. We are still planning to try again.
I look back on the adventure with fond memories of my encounter with nature.
(The photo is mine and taken by me)