In The Netherlands it is hardly ever possible to find yourselves above the clouds. Especially in the winter season, which started today on December 1st, the short days become even more dull due to extensive cloud covers, with no relief and structure in them. Yet, even the most boring, grey clouds become magic when watched from above.
Exactly one year ago, on December 1 2012, I took on a pair of raquettes and climbed through the clouds to the snowy top of Le Moucherotte (1901 meters), one of the amazing summits that surround Grenoble. It was already late in the afternoon and we had to hurry make it to the top before sunset. Just in time we reached the sunny side of the world and for the first time in my life I witnessed a ‘mer de nuages’, a sea of clouds. It was literally breathtaking, not the least because of the pace of my French, experienced glacier climbing companion, who had no mercy with a Dutch mountain rookie like me.
Nevertheless, the view was incredible and I took many photos that afternoon. We could see all the way to the Mont Blanc in the east, while in the west the sun was quickly setting. The one picture below is among my favorites, which keeps me reminding of the beauty of Grenoble and its mountains.
