I only wish I could have taken the full set of art supplies with me and painted this view in person.

That might have been a challenge, though, given the 4-hour hike that lay ahead. Joseph, my mother and I spent one of our family's two days in the Alps this summer on the Eiger Trail. We began at Eigergletscher, where I encountered this view of a section of the Jungfrau's north ridge.

The day was mostly clear, but some clouds threatened a storm on the ridge of the Jungfrau. Jagged rocks, sunlight on deep snow, and the ominous blue clouds rolling down the side of the mountain created a beautiful visual drama---I knew I would paint it as soon as I got back to my easel.

From Eigergletscher, the Eiger Trail crosses down underneath the North Face of the Eiger. I found it hard to keep my eyes on the trail (and secure my footing) because the scene around me was so captivating. To the right, the Eiger loomed over a mile above. Below and to my left, I saw the town of Grindelwald nestled in the valley. I could hear the wind rushing across the sheer face of the mountain, the crash of the waterfalls that pour down from the glaciers, and---surreally---the tinkling sound of dairy cows' bells that floated up from the hillside beneath the trail. It was unforgettable.