QMD
LONG DESCENT DOWN TO GRUSCH
As part of exploring Via Alpina red route (self sufficient with 20kg pack)
8.25 hours, 21km, 721m ascent, 2221m descent, Valley camp
Barthumeljoch 2305m
3 Countries in one day! Leaving Bettlerjoch in Lichtenstein, I traversed in to Austria and across to Barthumeljoch. Whilst the scree and general terrain underfoot can be generally difficult, one this occasion the area had held on to a lot of snow so selecting a route through took some time.
Once at Barthumeljoch, I dropped straight down in to the valley over very steep open grassy fields and high mountain farmland. Starting the day with freezing wind chill, quickly building to high 30s down in to the valleys.
