Re: Perfect Moments
I'm not trying to hog the thread, but looking through my photos I just found this one, which represents an entirely different perfect moment.
This squat, round, dumpy-looking thing is on the summit of Triglav, at 2,864m the highest mountain in Slovenia, and you can quite clearly see the summit shelter behind me.
Seriously, though, who would have though it - a metal shelter on the top of the highest thing for miles around!
What makes this moment so special is it depicts the first time I've ever reached the top of a proper alp. There were no views because of the fog, it's cold, it's wet, and we were kept awake during the night by a terrific thunderstorm (now happily elsewhere) which, at one stage, appeared to be actually inside the hut.
An ascent of Triglav is almost a rite of passage amongst the Slovenians, especially now they are an independent country once more, and any self-respecting citizen will attempt the climb at least once in their lifetime. And so, at least for a short while, that made me an honorary Slovene.
It's hard to put into words exactly how one feels at such a moment, but the exhilaration is almost life-changing. One day, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, I would like to attempt another decent peak, but for now, at least, I can say I've been there and done that. Oh, and I bought the T-shirt too. 
If in doubt, walk.