"Live the Cover!" Contest: Thailand

Great Travel Moment

August, 2004. Aletsch Glacier, southern Switzerland.

Our first trip to Europe was a mighty adventure, one that my husband and I intended to fill with once in a lifetime experiences. In visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we certainly anticipated a fantastic experience. What we gained was far more important and memorable.

This image not only captures the immense, stark beauty of one of Europe's most amazing natural features, but also it's unforgiving, merciless nature. Standing at the memorial of a man who had lost his life to the glacier some years prior commanded feelings of solitude and sadness, yet the utmost reverence. Reverence for the existence of a place so wild, wonderful and powerful, and respect for those brave enough to live their dream of exploring it. For what a truly awesome and breathtaking place for a final resting place. I have never again felt so small and human in my experiences, and never more have I felt the need to protect such amazing places.