The Trail Beneath the Snow

A hidden green line leads across the snowfield to their first glimpse of the Garden of the Four Seasons.

Beyond the slalom, the golden line vanished beneath a thick blanket of snow. Only a few crocuses rose above it. Puschel set down the travel basket and carefully pushed the snow aside with both paws.

A narrow green path appeared underneath. At the same moment, Flauschi noticed another warm patch farther ahead. Flauschi“It continues here!” she called, pointing across the next hill.

They took turns moving forward. Puschel uncovered one stretch while Flauschi searched for the next. Whenever they were uncertain, the glass flower on the basket glowed icy blue along the snowy edge and gold where the summer air touched the trail.

The path led steadily higher. On a narrow ridge they stopped. Beyond the snowfield, a wild garden shimmered in the distance with blossoms, golden light, red treetops and sparkling ice.

Flauschi“That is where our flower wants to go,” Flauschi whispered. Puschel picked up the basket again. Puschel“Then tonight we shall sleep with the best view of tomorrow.” They followed the trail to a sheltered place before the final hill. They would reach the garden only after their rest.