in-between seasons
The unusual patchwork beauty of in-between seasons.
It’s the second time I find myself in the mountains in this in-between season—this time in Riedelalp, a stunning little mountain village in the canton of Wallis.
Old snow still resides in a few areas, and the town is empty of visitors. You will only randomly find a few locals and construction workers. It almost feels like a ghost town, with all lifts, restaurants, hotels and commerce closed (except for one market that opens in the morning hours and one restaurant in the village that is open for a few hours only - agreed upon by the community, to at least offer one option).
It is no longer suitable to practice winter sports, nor yet for summer activities since the paths are still partially covered with white spots, which are not entirely safe to go everywhere.
The weather also plays accordingly, a mixture of rain and snow, randomly interchanging, with a few shy appearances of the sun in-between.
However, it is precisely that which brings an air of mysticism and beauty to the experience and an opportunity to connect fully with nature.
Even with the on and off weather, I still explored a bit. I didn’t manage to get everywhere I wanted due to the not-so-safe snow paths, but just being out in nature and breathing in the fresh air already made me feel 100 times better.
When I thought I was utterly alone (despite the various birds singing along), I had two unexpected close encounters - a Chamois (Gämse) and a fox. The Chamois was wary, watching me, while the fox wasn’t bothered with my presence. He came to have a look and went off again.
The feeling of complete calmness and connection is indescribable. One that probably cannot be felt to its fullest when all the lifts are working, filled with visitors. A weird but great feeling.
While wandering around, I had to make a parallel with my current life situation (going all philosophical about it). It is precisely how I am feeling in my present life. Not here, nor there, somewhere in-between, with a few traits from the former seasons, but new air from the one to come showing its faces. I have been receiving a lot of nos in the past few months. But also a few unexpected yesses—a rollercoaster of emotions, from euphoria to confusion, from stuckness to freedom (and back and forth).
It feels like a transition period to farewell the previous period before properly kickstarting a new season. Different from nature, though, that knows that Summer is next, I am not sure what will be next for me. But whatever it is, I hope it cleans out all the old snow that no longer makes sense and opens up the paths to trails that take me to those breathtaking views.
