Subalpine euphoria is an altered state of consciousness which can be induced by climbing up a rocky ridge on a summer day, and dropping into a basin where mountains hemlocks grow. Trees give way to green meadows, tiny streams tinkling over boulders and splashing in clear pools. These are edged by jewel-green meadows and drifts of red heather sending a sun-warmed fragrance into the air. Opal green water at the rim of the lake turns to deep blue.

This can leave a person quite giddy and reluctant to head back down the trail. Fill your days while the sun shines and the ground is bare…