Passo Duran (1601m) to Rifugio Pian de Fontana (1632m)
- Time: 10 hours
- Distance: 17.3 km
- Ascent: 1226m
- Descent: 1163m
- Steps: 31067
The hardest day by far, not just in distance and elevation / descent but the middle involved scrambling over the crest of a mountain that was very narrow and with steep falls both sides. Incredible views and many people agree that this day is the highlight of the walk, but unfortunately (or fortunately if you are afraid of heights) there was cloud about. We also finally saw some marmots up the top after seeing dozens of burrows.
The Refugio was very cute but very basic. Converted shepherd huts with cold showers.
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| Some of the signposting |
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| Some more signposting - the Alta Via 1 sign, not always this easy to find! |
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| Michele climbing the ridge at the top - very steep and you can see the drop-off on either side. Very scary. |
A marmot, and the surrounds just after clearing the peak
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| Now they tell us - on the way down! |
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| Rifugio Fontana. |
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| Fontana from the outside |
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| Our dorm |
