Postcard from Timperley: 21 July 1989 - Alta Via 2 - Day 7

Tuesday 1 September 2020

21 July 1989 - Alta Via 2 - Day 7 - Rif Mulaz to San Martino

Friday 21 July (Diarist: John)

Up early to witness bright sunshine with valley cloud. Frugal breakfast (one roll only, one cup of tea or coffee, not a pot).

Set off at crack of 8:30 after Laurie had repacked his rucksack again. Up along path 703 along Sentiero delle Farangole.

We go up a snow slope, then over scree into a corrie. There's a big roar, then the clattering of falling rock. Hurry over snow covered by rock and dust.

At the start of a gully there is a choice: more snow slope; fixed rope; or manky scree. All three options were taken by different members of the party. At the top of the gully it's rather windy, but much better than lower down on either side.

That's probably Laurie on the far left. I think the diarist's succinct entry may have understated some of this day's activity. I'll leave the reader to view the pictures (click on them) to try to grasp a 'feel' for this route - Ed.

Martin W has now provided the following commentary and the next two pictures:

"The top of that gully was quite narrow as I recall - see next shot of Laurie approaching the top and the second one of t'other side. I also remember making good speed across the rock fall."

Back to my pictures:

Down into the other side. Fixed rope seems more of a nuisance. Testing start then into the scree.

Brew up on snow at the bottom at about 10 am.

Very 1960s!

Moss Campion

Half an hour's rest then on to path 703, which proves to be rather long. One or two cable sections on thin bits. Arrive eventually in a big dry stony corrie. Very hot.