I’d been looking forward to this day as we’d be taking another cable car journey but this time up Hochgrat mountain to an elevation of 1800m. I hoped that his would be the place to give my butterfly list a healthy kick and send it well beyond the 19 species so far
. At the hochgratbahn (station) the cars were much more basic compact and relatively cramped for 4 persons with warning notices for persons to keep still during transit. The sound inside the car was like the drone of a squadron of Lancaster bombers but my youngest told me to shut-up when I mentioned it 
. The journey was exciting as we swung out over the road and made our way up a steep mountain slopes barely clearing the treetops as we climbed. The whole journey took about 25 minutes and the disembarkation point took you straight into a café (of course).As with Hundle the temperature was still hot despite the higher elevation. Initially I chose to break away from the main (walkers) track and chose the alternative (short-cut) route which comprised of a rickety fire-escape type staircase, close to a precarious drop on the north side. This afforded a better view of the mountains north east, and also the opportunity to see butterflies on the opposite flatter grassy side. Almost immediately a small Colias species flitted by and took nectar from a scabious flower close to the drop. This one was a lemon yellow so I knew I had myself another lifer
with only Colias croceus in my life list. It’s active movement and my precarious position on the steps meant the best I could manage were these slightly blurred shots. .After that immediate encounter I hardly saw any more cloudies and those that I did were not stopping or were inaccessible on the steep mountain banks
. More accessible and abundant were the Small Tortoiseshells, their vibrant orange colour setting off nicely against the blue Scabious flowers the favoured nectar source here . . 
. By the time it was drunk a large cloud had appeared from nowhere, cast a shadow and nothing was flying 
. At this point I was cursing under my breath but by the time I’d made it back to “my patch” the sun had returned and another butterfly was spotted, an Erebia species and another lifer . This one is I’m certain, Erebia manto (Yellow-spotted Ringlet). I did get to see its (distinct) underside to help with the ID but no photo at this time. ), more Small Torts and a fly-by Brimstone record shot to add another species to my list ... which was bumping up nicely .- Farmhouse in background was occupied as I was to find out later
Phil
Mountain Cloudy 
