Photography: Frits Meyst
Text: Jillian Macdonald

Mt Watzmann (Mr.), at 2713 meters, is the second highest mountain in Germany. It consists of three peaks all of which are connected by a narrow ridge. Next to this ridge is a second peak called the Watzmann Frau (Mrs). In between are the smaller pinnacles, known as the children. Early in the morning at 0500, after a terrifying thunderstorm, we find that just above the low ceiling of clouds the sky is clear. As we get higher I see the Watzmann hut floating far above a sea of clouds. It appears so close but, experience tells us, we still have quite some distance to travel.

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