The view north from Stierlochjoch
Friday 25 July 1980 - diarist: Colin - Near Ravensburger Hutte to Formarinsee near Freiburger Hutte
This morning began with little men hammering pitons into my brain. I was glad to find that I was not suffering alone, and that other expedition members were suffering from last night's excessive consumption - we must stick to one packet of 'Rise and Shine' in future.
(An alternative explanation involving the red wine, beer, kirsch and schnapps, seems much less plausible.)
Breakfast was prepared in the usual manner but was notable for the excellent new improved muesli (with bird seed) and the portion of Austrian camembert which went astray and needed to be retrieved with an ice axe.
The usual chores
completed, we set off over the Stierlochjoch (translation note: this literally
means 'the bull's hole' pass). The journey was slowed by the rapid effect of
the extra bran in today's breakfast, haemorrhaging of the nasal passages, and
the photogenic nature of the local flora. The journey down to Zug was along a
pleasantly wooded path, and judging by the number of touroids heading in the
opposite direction - very popular.
Having no need
of further provisions, we spurned a visit to the vast metropolis of Zug and
headed off in a westerly direction along the
- things have moved on since then
After lunch, we
set off up the valley at our own pace, arriving at the Freiburger Hutte over a period of some 20 to 25 minutes. Bier,
Schiewasser und Ein Orangen were gratefully consumed and we set off to our campsite
beside Formarinsee, and in the rocks around us we can see the band of red rock
which gives the Rote Wande its name.
As Nick wrings out his socks, the sweet and sour chicken soaks, and RMP clunks over the prostrate form of Dave, I shall close today's diary entry with my thanks to everyone for an extremely enjoyable two weeks. Personally my vote for the most memorable day goes to the Memminger - Ansbacher day, for its variety of scenery, some pioneering, and schnee, schnee, schnee!
Nick adds: PS, Colin
missed out Nick's admiration of an American girl's unfettered 'bits'; see
earlier reference to her husband's underpants; she thought the snow was 'really
scary' (read with an appropriate US accent).
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