On the last day of our stay in Pola de Somiedo we drove the 20km up to the pass La Farrapona 1700m asl. An easy way to get to the higher alpine pastures I must say. After a short walk down hill we were rewarded with a view of this huge alpine lake. Surrounding the lake were banks and banks of bright blue Gentian, Primula, Anemone and alpine Daphne to name just a few. It was freezing… but well worth it. I donned my Hilda Ogden scarf and set out around the lake to see what I could find and came across drifts of sweet little yellow orchids in full flower. What a treat for our last day.
Gentian
Gentian verna
Probably the most common (if you dare call a Gentian common) – maybe I should use the word “prolific”. Yes, the most prolific Gentian at this time of the year is Gentian verna which grows in tiny, tight clusters on the sides of sunny banks throughout the Julian and Dolomite Alps. Probably elsewhere too, but I’ve yet to go there!