Niel - Dortoir La Gruba to Champoluc.
Peaks/Cols Crossed:
⛰️ Colle Lazoney (2394m)
⛰️ Col Pinter (2781m)
After a few hours of sleep at Dortoir La Gruba, along with some nutritious food and plenty of fluids, I felt ready to tackle the next leg of the journey. I extended my stay longer than originally planned to wait out a passing storm, and once the thunder and lightning had subsided, I headed out into the rain, fully geared up in waterproofs. The climb to Colle Lazoney (2394m) was Incredible, and I couldn’t help but stop to admire the view down the valley, where a huge rainbow appeared in the mist, creating an enchanting scene in the forest below. The descent from the col was equally stunning, reinforcing the idea that enduring difficult conditions often leads to the most rewarding experiences. It was a moment of realization that many miss out on such beauty because they never venture out to seek it. As night fell and I continued past Gressoney, the ascent of Col Pinter (2781m) in the darkness felt surreal, as if I were climbing into the stars. The climb was long and challenging, but the quiet of the night and the sight of the starry sky provided a unique and almost spiritual experience. Halfway down the descent from Col Pinter, I had to stop to tend to a few painful blisters that were making it difficult to continue. Despite the physical discomfort, the beauty of the surroundings and the sense of accomplishment kept me going. Navigation was straightforward in the mountains, but, as usual, it became more challenging in built-up areas.
Challenges:
Physical: Dealing with blisters and the fatigue from ascending and descending steep passes in difficult weather.
Mental: Maintaining focus and morale while navigating through darkness and managing physical discomfort.
Terrain: Steep climbs and descents, compounded by heavy rain and slippery conditions.
Navigation: Easier in the mountains, but more difficult in towns and villages, particularly in the dark.
The heavy rain and challenging terrain required careful attention and resilience, but the stunning beauty of the journey made it all worthwhile. The climb to Col Pinter in the darkness was a memorable experience, reminding me that even in the toughest moments, there is beauty to be found. This leg reinforced the importance of preparation, mental toughness, and the willingness to push through adversity to experience the rewards that nature has to offer.
