The Martisberg Valley …

… is a stronghold for the Eidelweiss, the Swiss National Flower, seen here growing with Alpine Asters. It is known to have organs designed to withstand extreme weather: wind-resistant underground stems, leaves that prevent evapotranspiration, the UV-protective microstructure of the hairy bracts. It is now protected in many cantons as tourists used to take plants home as souvenirs of their Swiss holidays! 
The Martisberg is a fantastic Alpine walk through flower studded pastures (extra) yet few people walk this valley from Reusch, perhaps put off by the ski installations. This keeps it wild and you can hear marmots calling, see herds of chamois and bouquetin, stumble over ptarmigan if you are lucky. Yet in the winter it is one of the best ski runs in the area. The animals and birds just disappear into the forest which they would do anyway.


Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks to BikerBear for hosting Flower Friday.