As the road climbed north into the Dolomites, the landscape began to change. The air grew cooler and fresher, clouds gathered around the mountains, and a gentle rain followed us deeper into the Italian Alps. At Lago di Braies, the world seemed to quieten. From a small wooden boat, surrounded by towering peaks disappearing into the clouds, I watched raindrops fall upon the turquoise water and listened to the gentle rhythm of the paddle breaking its surface. There was no need for perfect weather. Somehow, the mist, the rain and the stillness made it all the more beautiful.
