In the winter of 1979, after having lived in Sweden for just over a year, I joined a hundred or so fellow students from my high school on a long train trip to the ancient village of Bad Gastein in the Austrian alps.

I’ve subsequently been to several other ski resorts across Europe and even a couple in the US. But it was here in Bad Gastein where I had my very first alpine experience. So, after 43 years, I’ve finally returned to the Bad Gastein Valley for a week of walks, crisp, fresh air and to once again appreciate the sheer beauty the majestic scenery here provides..

The above view is what Charlotte and I woke up to early this morning.