Perfect Hiking Weather

8:27 AM

This morning I managed to arrange a ride with SoleSaver, a woman who’s been bringing hikers to and from the trail for a long time. She’s the wife of the owner of the motel where I stayed—very smart, of course, because that way you’re always fully booked.

Two years ago she had a car accident on Boxing Day and was physically quite battered. Dusty took over her rides back then, and now she’s trying to get back into it and is allowed to drive again. SoleSaver literally means “saving the soles of your shoes,” because she wants to take you everywhere by car. Thank you for putting me back on the trail.

It’s immediately a solid climb up to 2,200 meters, but it actually goes quite well. The temperature is around 21 degrees and there’s a light breeze. What a rest day can do for you! The energy is back, and it’s perfect hiking weather. 🥳

9:47 AM

Five mountains are on the schedule again today. It reminds me of Washington, but the mountains here are packed closer together, which means a lot more up and down.

The steps are carved straight out of the rock, and the views become impressive very quickly.

There are little “sheep clouds,” so I check the weather forecast for the next 24 hours 🤔. Tomorrow it cools down to 5 degrees, and stormy weather is expected with 2 mm of rain. Looks like it’s going to be drizzly.

11:47 AM

The wind is picking up, and with every step you can feel it pushing you forward. Luckily it’s blowing at my back—that makes the climb a lot faster! 🤣

3:42 PM

4:32 PM

6:04 PM

Into the Alpine wilderness—and yes, it really does look like the Alps. The mountains are jagged, rough, and packed closely together.

7:24 PM

Near a small river I found a campsite to collect some water. It’s nice and quiet here, so I can get everything in order and have something to eat.

Good night 😴

Total: 33.52 km in 10:24 hours
1,172 m up · 1,193 m down