Day 180: Up High

Bivacco I Ghiaccioni to Bocca di Massa

Distance: 25km


Dinner was finally served at 22:30 (it was well worth the wait). After two glasses of red wine and some strong liquor, I finally made myself comfortable on the bench, were I fell asleep rather quickly.


5 hours of walking, less than 10 kilometers covered. The trails this morning rough and steep, the progress painfully slow.

Especially the climb up to Monte Nuda is so steep I have to stop several times. I use the breaks to pick blueberries, which there are millions of.


After Monte Nuda, the trail and scenery changes. For the better. Much smother, faster tracks and the view... Exquisite. It gets better every day. Again, the air is crisp and clear. I can see all the way to Piz Bernina, home, on the other side of Milan. Quite crazy and a bit emotional.


Thanks to the fast track, Monte Prado, with more than 2000 meters the highest mountain so far in Italy, is reached earlier than expected. As the wind picked up again on the climb, I don't spend too much time up there but rather head down, looking for a spot to pitch my tent. Not easy as there's hardly a spot without wind. Eventually though, I find a lovely spot, still in the sun, not too windy and with a great view. I decide to call it a day. My legs are toast. The last two days have been demanding.


I prepare myself for a cold night. Temperatures just above the freezing point are awaiting me. As I only have my thin sleeping bag, I put on most of the clothes I carry with me. Hoping but not expecting they will keep me warm. 

First pass
First pass
Frozen blueberries
Frozen blueberries
These views
These views
Hills and mountains
Hills and mountains
Wonderful hiking
Wonderful hiking
But not always easy
But not always easy
The view towards Switzerland
The view towards Switzerland
Blueberries...
Blueberries...
High altitude horses
High altitude horses
Highest point on E1 Italy so far
Highest point on E1 Italy so far
Camping with a view
Camping with a view
...
...
Good night
Good night

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