When the forest was left behind majestic views of the alpine valleys lying far below opened in front of me and somewhere in the distance you could see tiny houses I stopped for a moment to take a few deep breaths and enjoy the moment At such moments you realize how small a person is in the face of nature but this feeling does not cause fear - on the contrary it gives an incredible feeling of freedom With every hour the ascent became more and more difficult - the rocky path almost disappeared in places and we had to look for ways through the rubble But I was ready for it My arms and legs worked in unison my heart was pounding wildly but I didn t stop Finally I reached the pass The wind here was sharp and cold but I didn t care There was a top ahead and it was so close