Girls’ night outside in the Alps
“Four girls, two tents, one bottle of wine and too much spaghetti.”
This is how our story of a girl’s night out starts.
In a quickening world, life has gotten in the way of our social activities and adventures. We take back the night and enjoy an extended ladies’ outing in the mountains.
It took some quick coordination, but soon there were four of us set on our night in the mountains.
Our ascent is quick and vigorous. We reach our desired campsite in under two hours. After swiftly assembling our tents, inflating our sleeping pads and setting up our night’s accommodations, we’re ready for the night to begin!
Someone pours a rose and we sip away while cutting onions and crushing garlic. We talk about life, work, and partners.
The evening moves slowly and dips into darkness. We’ve taken our tuna tomato pasta and moved to the eastern side of the rise to protect against the unruly wind.
We return to the west only to marvel at the sun falling from the clouds and balancing on the spine of the alps.
Wind battered our tent all night. Our tent poles whipped back and forth, sometimes even turning in on themselves. I worried for little wasabi.
I thought the wind would let up once the atmosphere had reached a state of equilibrium. Alas, it only strengthened.
By the time the tent glowed, I knew the sun would be rising just behind Pilatus soon. I worm into my pants and pack on my insulator and outer shell.
It’s not needed.
The morning was sweet and warm. I do a full revolution to see the alps in the south with the moon hanging above them in the sky. All signs are clear to the west. To the east, something stirs the fiery cauldron. The wind still tugs my hair, but it was fresh.
I had a few precious moments alone with the dawn. I contemplate life, the fading stars and the incredible dance of the universe.
Soon the others join my ranks. Seated on the grass, we meditate on the eastern horizon.
Soaking up the morning sun.
The sun stretches its levelling rays as far as the eye could see, illuminating the lake of Luzern and the Jungfrau glacier. My eyes fell on the combed ridge behind us where the sun had set the night before.
The morning light carved exquisite detail into the rocks and stratigraphy. I observe the remnants of an anticline and could draw a convex line in my mind between the two sharp cliff faces. My eyes slip and note how the river has eroded the mountaintop to form a wide valley.
I stay transfixed on this valley. Pine trees are dusted with light, feathering the textures. A single road slides along the river, meandering between trees and leading up to the top of the pass. It feels lonely.
After stretching with the sun, the call comes for coffee. The water gurgles in the pot and four cups are eagerly awaiting their turn.
The first breakfast is coffee and rusks. Our second breakfast is to be had later upon our return to Luzern, where my friends magically whip up an eggs benedict and smoothie bowl breakfast all rolled into one!
“The Alps are calling, and I must go!” - a wonderful gift from a dear friend.
Soninke Combrinck
I write about connecting with nature as I chase my own adventures around the world.
