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Circumambulating the Settsass |
September 12, 2014
Dealing with primitive computer equipment is proving quite difficult.
I am relatively crippled by spotty Internet access, a laptop keyboard with an
irregular layout, the limitation of a single monitor (ugh), and lack of a suitably
lit place to work in the rooms. I have resorted to shining my hiker's
headlamp on the keyboard. On top of that, I seem to have dropped the mouse
once too often; for now the scroll wheel is jammed. Bummer. I would
replace it, but computer stores are few and far-between around here.
The weather still is not cooperating. Every day it is
unknown as to whether it will rain or shine. There has not been a clear
day yet — not even close. Dave and I must do our thing
regardless, of course, because this is our only chance.
The bus lets us off at Passo di Valparola. The trail, not
well-signed, is accessed from behind the rifugio.
Starting out
When I put on my pants every morning in my normal life, I invariably add three items: a wallet, a car key, and a Chapstick. But today, when Dave asks me for some lip balm, I don't have any. Go figure.
There is plenty of mud
At this point the trail heads straight up the cliff face. Dave stops to fold up and put away his trekking poles, for they are of no help on wet rock.
Preparing for the rough stuff
Memories of World War I
An easy section
A not-so-easy section
Great scenery all around, as usual
Suillaceae
Peach
At a trail junction is a two-mile, 900-foot spur route to the summit of Settsass; and doubtless the views from there would be outstanding. The skies are turning gray, however; so with heavy hearts, we pass on that option.
Around this corner is another sign pointing to Settsass summit. It seems that we might not have taken the most direct route over here.
Natural rock
Unnatural rock
Being able to traverse a loop like this is so great, for there always is new scenery to enjoy. Everything is different on this other side of the mountain.
Red Valerian
Red Fruit Bearberry
Shepherd's hut
Peering through the rain
Somewhere in here, Dave slips in the mud, does the splits, and tears his pants. He asks me not to mention the incident, though; so I won't.
The path is well-defined
Memorial to a Karl Exler, erected in 2001
It has begun raining for real. The temperature has dropped, and despite wearing a poncho, I am pretty well soaked. This is not a great time to encounter a section of trail with cables and metal stairsteps, but there is no choice.
The route is awash with running water to boot
Back at Rifugio Valparola, we must wait an hour and a half for the
bus. Dave eats a bowl of soup, while I have a coke.
The tables seem to be filling up, so we try moving outside.
Big mistake. It's 34 degrees out here, and I'm still
soaked; so we go back in. Dave has a beer, while I have a coke.
The restaurant offers a selection of homemade grappa, a sort of brandy.
Flavors include pine, cumin, and rhododendron
Now the tables really are filling up; so we spend the last half-hour
outside after all, shivering in the doorway until the bus arrives.
View from the trailhead
Columbine Meadow-rue
§: Today's scenery was outstanding, but could have been more so.
I gave this hike the best rating possible under the circumstances. One really
should make the effort to summit the mountain for the 360° view.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty | |
| Personality | |
| Solitude | |
It seems that we did take the longer route over Sella Les Pizades, but that seemed the natural thing to do at the time.
A co-worker of Dave's named Linda just happens to be in town; what are the odds against that? Linda and her husband Peter pick us up and drive us to a recommended restaurant in the next town. I order Spaghetti Carbonara, which is to die for, plus a salad bar. The only tolerable dressing is a Yogurt concoction, but that works fine. My first real Italian meal!
