Leaving Rifugio Fuchiade
Thursday
20 July (Diarist: Dave)
A
restless and stuffy night was had by most of us. Unfortunately every time Dave
turned over (~ 10 times/ hour) he kicked the window shut. An interesting
problem here is that the ladder to the top level blocks the route to the shower
and toilet and to get there you have to crawl under the ladder. This will no
doubt bring masses of bad luck to Dave - who was constantly coming and going.
Simple
breakfast of bread, jam (plum) and coffee/tea.
Off by
8:10.
Walked down road to Passo di San Pellegrino.
Typical meadow, dominated here by yellow rattle
John
in trainers. We were joined by our friend from Hull
Set
off from car park. Before we could get to our path there was an electric fence
to negotiate, with a sort of gate.
John
went over the fence, Martin B went over the bar. Laurie and Martin W discovered
that the bar was hinged and walked through. Didn't tell me, did they. When I
arrived they told me to watch the electric fence at the top, so I crawled
through, much to the childish amusement of Martin B and Laurie.
Dave is not amused, the fence is to his right - how could he miss the 'hidden' hinge?
Easy
path until a junction. John went wrong and had to retrace. After a while the
path became a ski piste. Really vile scree. Best over quickly, then there
followed an easy route to Passo di Valles (2031 metres).
Ice
creams and cappuccinos all round. The advertised St Bernard's dog made an
appearance. Also two goats and a tethered long eared lamb - a hit with the kids.
Headed
up to Forc Venegia. Good gradient.
Leopardsbane
Alpine toadflax
Stopped
for a brew (Dave had two) and food. Much amusement at Laurie's suntan oil
placemat.
Forcella Venegia
There
then followed an outstanding path to Passo di Venegiotta. Many stops for good
views. Good speed. The path went from valley to valley, up and down a fair bit,
but still an excellent path.
One
dodgy bit in an area of rock falls. At John's request we went through this bit
very quickly. Two small obstacles followed, with wire rope. No great problem - lots
of sadistic photos. Then a sharp climb up for many hundreds of feet - again
several stops. Finally at the top we saw the hut - Rifugio Mulaz.
No
campsites (except for the desperate), so we decided to stay in hut. Arrived at
4 pm, about an hour ahead of 'standard time'.
After
arranging our accommodation we went up Mt Mulaz (2904 metres). Superb views.
Many photographs.
Pleasant
to climb without packs. Back down. Dormitory very crowded. Beds with no gaps. Reminds
me of Austrian huts. Looks like we will have a large dog for company.
Problems
with ordering food - helped by English speaking guest. Minestrone / spaghetti / meat and beans and
salad. More cheese for Martin W, and coffee.
John
complains of no pudding. Lots of cigarette smoke in unventilated room.
Very
early night (9:30). Dog slept in the room.
An
outstanding afternoon's walk - good, well-marked path and very good views.
Here's our route - 19 km, with 1500 metres of ascent.
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