Switzerland: Part 6 | Edelweiss

Thunderstorms are common and dangerous in the Alps, even in August and September.  Therefore, we planned each of our backpacking trips according to the weather.  If thunderstorms were forecast in four days, we packed for three.  In three days, we went for two.  At first I thought this might detract from our experience, as a few weeks earlier Mike and I had packed into the Trinity Alps for six days, still wanting more.  But these shorter trips enhanced our time in the Swiss Alps.  For each time, we trekked someplace new.

Like the time Dave and Lieve took us on a trail that gets used by approximately six people a year.  I wanted to see edelweiss.  Wouldn’t you?  Since so many people have picked it over the years, the beloved flower has become rare, consequently difficult to find. Add to that the fact that it blooms for only one to two weeks a year, and only in sheltered areas at high elevation.  What are the chances?  If you’re with someone who knows and loves plants and the Alps as much as Lieve and Dave, the chances are pretty high.  So is the edelweiss, which is where we finally found the shy white creatures.

The edelweiss surprised me.  I had expected tiny, snowy white, delicate blossoms.  Instead, they bloom as large as silver dollars, and contain the smallest hint of jade green mixed in the white. Tears of gratitude rolled down my cheeks.  Most surprising of all were their thick fuzzy petals.  Touching them was like stroking a treasured furry pet—love at first stroke.  I could imagine a young Swiss lover picking a bouquet to impress his sweetheart.  First, the white flowers, and then the effort he had gone through to pick them, and lastly, his own glow while giving them to her.  Irresistible!

We did promise not to tell anyone where the edelweiss is located, so I can’t tell you.  But I can tell you this was one of my favorite treks, and I hope you find your own edelweiss one day.

I also hope one day you will venture to Switzerland and share my love for the Swiss people and for the Swiss Alps.  Maybe you’ll even meet Lieve and Dave.  That is, if you are on the blue and white trails.  Or swimming in Lake Zurich.  Or walking the streets of Locarno.  Or savoring the things you have, the people you love.  Maybe you’ve met them already.  In your heart. 

But, whatever you do, consider yourself warned.  Switzerland is for lovers.  Lovers of beauty.   Lovers of life.  Lovers of grace.  But why wait.  Grace is closer at hand.  Grace is where you are, who you are.  Grace, forever exploding one’s heart with passion.  Grace, forever exploding.  Grace.  Forever.

What are the things in your life that bring you grace? If you’ve never thought about it, this would be the perfect moment! Don’t wait. Grace awaits YOU right now!

A special thanks to Veronique Gray @ www.veroshappytravels.com for the use of her edelweiss photo. Mine was so secret, I thought I’d better not share it. 🙂

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