Yesterday, for the second time (last time in 2013), we made the ascent of the Pania della Croce - the mountain opposite us which dominates most views of Barga. Even though we have been lucky with the weather recently, the high peaks have often been shrouded in clouds, so we needed an exceptional day. At 6000 feet, this is quite a hill for us to climb. However, with this being the weekend, we were assured of company, and there is a mountain refuge half-way up which has some life-preserving facilities (coffee!). Soon above the refuge, there is a col from which the sea can be seen for the first time, and the steep route to the summit ridge begins.
It really was a fabulous day for the climb, with a very clear air, and fantastic views all around to the Serchio Valley, the Appenines in the East and of course, the Tyrrhenian Sea with the Tuscan Archipelago, and Corsica on the horizon.
An added treat was the sighting of a group wild mouflon sheep and, very high up, a few pairs of the crow-like alpine chough.
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| The morning we needed - clear sky, moon about to exit stage right - and our mountain awaiting us |
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| It was pretty cool in the beechwoods on the north slopes going up ... |
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| ... but warmer on the sunlit uplands |
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| Some rough country on the way to the col |
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Barbara approaches the cleft we must ascend -
called the Vallone dell'Inferno (Valley of Hell!) |
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| The mouflons make their getaway |
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| Making our way up the Vallone dell'Inferno |
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| Nearing the ridge |
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| Barbara on the summit ridge |
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| Other climbers on the summit - marked by the cross - found on Italian summits where in Scotland we would expect to see a Trig point |
Wow I am impressed. Wish to get up there with you one day if we can all stay fit long enough and good weather is still a reasonably regular interlude.
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