Day two, were up early after a really good sleep, breakfast and hit the trek at a fair old pace only to be pulled up short as the trail climbs steadily upwards towards Camparmento Italian and Vale del Frances. We make good time and cut half an hour off our allotted time.
We push on feeling better than the previous day but are aware we are absolutely soaked through perspiration. We take regular drinks breaks sipping the cool glacial waters gushing down the mountainsides.
It's a wonderful place, surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers, torrential rivers. Very tough going but we make Cammpartmento Brittanico. I dump the ruck sack with Geoff and head off a further 2 km higher to reach a viewpoint climbing up scree towards the snow line. Unfortunately the weathers not kind and were mostly surrounded by mist, but we still had views of the Cuernos and the Torres.
Tired we now have to retrace our footsteps back down the valley and head further east to our next refugio, it is tough but we are gradually getting acclimatised, the legs not screaming as much.
The water was delicious
The flowers and shrubs stunning.
Most of the plants are protected species and are beautiful.
The views truly magnificent as we witness an avalanche.
Another hard but rewarding day, this really is a fantastic trail.
Can it get any better !!
Tony x
Wow .... not a lot else to say really
ReplyDeleteFantastic pictures Tony. Do you have a guide with you on these route marches or do you revert back to your boy scout days with a map and compass?
ReplyDeleteSmithy me old mate, no ur on ur own. You could hire a guide but were more than capable. Hope all well mate. Tony
DeleteLooking good mr! Great pictures keep them coming, getting ready for Chimborazo here! The world didn't end so better do some shopping! Take care T and S xx
ReplyDeleteHello Mr Hays. I am sat in my kitchen with your dear wife. I have been trying to send you a blog but as a thickie I had to work out what a blog was and when I worked that out and I had typed you a message it didn't"work, the height of frustration. Put it this way the air was blue. Anyway all sounds fabulous and some brilliant pictures. Be careful and speak soon
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, missin u all. Hpe u had a good Christmas. Thanks for ur messages. It's all go here. Beautiful Christmas, middle of a forest, lakes and snow capped mountains, brill. Take care lov T x x
Deletedear uncle . we go pantomime tonight. anne widdicone and craig. oh yes it is .i see lulu. love Tommy
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, all good here. Already got stuck into some refreshments and christmas spirit is upon us (sort of). It's mild, wet and yuck which isn't what we have ordered but brollies to the ready! Photos are stunning and surely they can't get any better - fab.
Mum says thanks for their Christmas card - nice to know how they are thought of - very funny. Loved catching up on your blogs and enjoyed the photos. More please!!
Wishing you a lovely Christmas, we will miss you this year (not!!!!) oops, Mum's behind me! Seriously though, we will be thinking of you and will raise glasses at 2pm. Love you lots xxxxxxx
Hi Anthony
ReplyDeleteJust trying to get this set up....kelvin and pip
Hi Anthony
DeleteWe are enjoying reading your blog - your expedition looks and sounds amazing!
Wishing you a Happy Xmas and thinking of you.
All our love
Pip and Kel
XX
Hi Pip n Kelvin, lovely to hear from u. Hope you all had a good Christmas and have a great New Year, will be thinking of you all. Love to Aunty Jean n Uncle Des. I'm pleased U Des's op went well and wish him a speedy recovery. Take care love Anthony x
DeleteHi Tony, how was your Christmas . Was thinking of you yesterday. Thanks for the pressies not that you know what you gave us!!!!!. Look after yourself and we hope 2013 brings you more excitement on your adventure. Lyndon, Steph, Sam, Megs. xxxx
ReplyDelete