Little ascension in Ascension week-end (and Mother's Day)

[Herlock]

Hi there! Long weekend for Ascension and Mother’s day here . Weather was fine and I’ve been out with the family this time! They woke up from winter hibernation finally ! Roaming around Bergamo’s valleys as usual. We met several hikers on the tracks. Season is starting . We took the kids up to a “popular” clearing they like (1200 mt.), one hour walking from the village (950 mt.). Pasture land is in full Spring blossom. The fields are yellow from buttercups and dandelions. Amazing views . We had our usual small camp fire running and a picnic lunch, close by a cattle shed. We played all together, watched the grazing cows and then I continued on the track to reach a mountain hut higher up (2000 mt. still closed). Marmots are waking up "whistling" and, catching me completely unprepared, also a viper. This one was kind enough to hiss me well so I didn’t step on her and also she stayed there just the two seconds I needed to take a shooting. I was unprepared because it’s still pretty cold higher up. Small snow patches are still visible. Also spot a couple of chamois, looked a bit scruffy . Caught the family up in the village for a good dinner. A good day! Knife with me the SAK Spartan, one of the Victorinox I prefer :thumbup:. Just to share ! Take care.

 

[Pokerchip]

Good job on the photos. Made it seem like I was there myself.

 

[John A. Larsen]

More great photos of a beautiful part of the world. John

 

[fatcat55]

Beautiful pictures. Thank you so much for taking us along!

 

[billym]

Thanks for posting such beautiful photos.

 

[tknife]

Beautiful! What type of snake is that?

 

[Herlock]

Hi!

@Pokerchip; John A. Larsen; Fatcat55; Billym: Thanks for kind comments! Glad you like the post .

@ Tknife: Thanks! That is a common viper (Vipera aspis). They are rather abundant in these valleys during summertime. They are poisonous but not "dangerous" if one follows basic rules (e.g. don't put hands in the bushes, turning stones, wear proper hiking boots, etc.). By just making some noise hitting the ground with a walking stick, they normally "hiss away" . It's protected species.

 

[tknife]

Thanks Herlock. That is basically what we do for rattlesnakes here as well. You have some beautiful countryside there!

 

[mete]

Somehow missed this post. Always like to see the mountains. We have marmots here locally groundhogs or woodchucks but formally Marmota Monax . Snakes we have in NY State , all protected .Rattlesnakes and copperheads are poisonous.
We are now able to get formaggio Parmigiano made by 'red cows' with their milk flavored with mountain flowers. Wonderful !
Here ,now is a fine season many trees in full blossom , deer are back to their normal life .New ones will appear shortly.

 

[Herlock]

@ Mete: Thanks. That's nice to hear from you. I always enjoy reading these outdoor tales/reportages here and looking at the many great photos posted, so I try to contribute a bit to it when I can . Take care.

 

[John A. Larsen]

Herlock,
One more question. Other than that one man standing on the horizon on that mountain trail, no people in any of the photos, not even in the town? Are they all at work? John

 

[Herlock]

@ John A. Larsen: True ! Consider this village sits at 950 mt. and barely counts 250 inhabitants, most of them are retired, working commuting to bigger cities (like Bergamo or Milano) or busy with agricultural related jobs (therefore out in the fields). Only one grocery store and one bar owning also a small B&B . Also my fault , I shot the pictures trying not to get in the very few passersby. On the trails it's never really crowded, picnic areas can be in high season, though. Next time I will try to post some pics with more people .