I’m more used to living at night – it’s a rhythm that suits me well, especially on weekends… but last Sunday I decided to get up really early to watch the sunrise over the Vosges ridges.

It was warm, the sky was clear for an early August morning – it seemed like the perfect moment.

For that Sunday, sunrise was at 6:20 a.m. I wanted to be there a little earlier, so I aimed for 6:00. With a bit of driving involved, that meant leaving around 5:00. I wanted to take photos too, so there was some prep and makeup time… which means a 4:00 a.m. alarm^^. And even if a lot of people get up at that time every day, for me it’s more the time I’m usually going to bed.

But never mind – it’s worth it, let’s go!

For the occasion, I woke up my little Italian (a Fiat, not a Ferrari) ((and yes, a car, not a girlfriend, unfortunately)) and put on a nice outfit – with a jacket, because it’s always chilly at altitude.

I reached the Hohneck at 6:10, a bit later than planned, but I was happy – the view was truly beautiful. It’s worth getting up and making a bit of effort to break out of your routine from time to time.

There were already quite a few people there, especially campers who had slept on site… if I’d wanted to blend in, I should have brought a station wagon and hiking gear, like everyone else^^. In lace skirt and convertible, it’s not exactly discreet – and even less so when you’re trans… But I like it, I feel good, it’s pretty, and it allows me to take nice photos, so that’s ok!

One little downside I hadn’t expected: the wasps!
Apparently there are lots of them up in the mountains at this time of year, and they get up very early – as soon as the day breaks and the air starts to warm. I’m not sure how the other people there managed it, but for me it was impossible to stand still without having several buzzing around me. Even if they weren’t aggressive, it was annoying, I didn’t feel at ease, so I had to keep moving to have a minimum of peace.

For the few people who were awake and online on Instagram, I tried to do a live to share the moment, but with the wasps and the fact that I couldn’t settle anywhere, I had to cut it short – but I’ll do it again sometime.

I continued my drive along the Route des Crêtes, stopping a few times to enjoy the view, then headed home for breakfast (and took a nap in the afternoon).

I’m sharing the video I just finished editing first – I’ll post more photos in a second article. Feel free to comment if this inspires you – it’s free, and I enjoy it :)