Hike in Gran Paradiso National Park

On our way to our destination of the day we passed several old castles and churches. Yesterday one sign noted that the entire Cogne valley was the property of the bishop. What a wonderful life the old guy must have had!

Today we drove to Pont Valsavarenche - a small village at the end of the road on the opposite side of Gran Paradiso Mountain – about 50 km from our accommodations. Much less traffic up that valley – not all day tourist oriented. There were a number of RV type vehicles and a few tents.

On many old buildings you see an interesting method of making a roof – very heavy!

We saw which way everyone seemed to go and away we went. We ended up at Rifugio V Emanuele – the high base camp for climbers going on up and the turn around point for day hikers. We had seen many people on the trail carrying ice axes, crampons and rope – the serious ones!

We ended up with 10.3 km, 1034 meter accumulated elevation gain and a 4 hour 18 minute hike. Strenuous to say the least! Starting elevation at the parking lot was 1990 meters and the maximum elevation was 2759 meters.

There were great sights all around. Many streams cascading down the mountain sides and magnificent mountain views on a beautiful sunshiny day.

There was a very pretty sunset when we were finishing the hike, prooving that endings can be beautiful too...

During the hike you see few wild flowers as it's becoming more dry.

Diesel and petrol are both even more expensive than at home. Diesel is approximately 4.29 €/liter and petrol 4.95 €/liter. In US$ per gallon that is about 5.36$ per gallon for diesel and 6.20$ per gallon for unleaded gas.

The great majority of people here drive with very good discipline – no crowding in, running lights or stop signs and more or less obeying speed limits. Although the mountain roads are naturally very exciting, Russ doesn't get nervous much!