The Big Boys from yesterday

Above Anzeindaz we climbed 500 metres following a chamois herd. The chamois were chasing each other as they are definitely rutting now! At one point I was taking a photo of a group of chamois when I realised that there were 3 male bouquetin grazing above them (extra).We sat and watched as 12 of these huge animals sedately appeared from behind a large rock. They were squaring up to each other, their huge horns clashing but not too seriously! This will increase in violence over the next 2 or 3 weeks as the females become receptive to the males’ amorous advances. A bearded vulture flew past us (second extra), then two, and much later one again. What a day, with alpenglow on the rocks of the cliffs where the animals are hanging out, an almost full moon rising over the horizon (another extra) as we walked down to the small hut with its old wood burner to keep us warm tonight, and only candles for light. A going back in time experience.