In addition to the amazing flora, there were some cracking animals too… Alpine Marmot, Purple-edged Copper, Northern Wheatear and Alpine Marsh Fritillary.

Early morning walks through the woods near Pontresina were special. Below the pines the rocky terrain was clothed in mosses, lichens and masses of Twinflowers – Linnaea borealis – said to be the favourite flower of Carl Linneaus.

Then look up...

Then there are the fritillaries... (Asian, Knapweed, High Brown and Heath).

Another factor is latitude. If an eclipse occurs close to the equator the ground beneath the observer is moving at a greater speed, due to the rotation of earth, so the shadow of the moon passes over the observer more slowly. In 2027 the greatest eclipse is at 33°N. In 2026 it's at 65° N.