7th day after Grube South Tyrol

After yesterday's exertions, hiking according to plan was on the agenda today. It sounded harmless, but it wasn't. But it was simply great!

We started shortly before 9 with the bus to Schlegeisspeicher. It was not feasible to walk, it would have been 30 km.

From the parking lot at the impressive lake, we first went uphill very leisurely. First we had to walk right through a herd of cows, but we have experience with that by now. Then the path became narrower and steeper, and after 1.5 hours we were at the Lavitzalm with very nice hospitality and delicious Kaiserschmarren.

Afterwards, we continued to climb! The trail was partly so steep that you had to climb, and the mountains were barren and covered with snow from time to time.

After another 1.5 hours we reached the Pfitscherjochhaus, the highest point on the alpine crossing, at 2275 m. It was really cold up there, despite the bright sunshine. Fantastic view and bizarre lakes with snowfields shimmering in them. Magnificent!

After a short break, the descent began. And that with our strained knees 😬.

Right at the beginning we had to (were allowed to) walk through 300 m of snow. It was no problem with poles, but without them it would have been difficult.

Then quite steep downhill, narrow path, just the way we like it. Partly we walked downhill with a small stream, actually in the water. Funny 😀.

The great path ended in stone for a while, where we had a Radler drink. We continued on a meadow path, everywhere hay was mowed or harvested, often by hand. All this in bright sunshine.

Unfortunately, our hotel Kranebitt was quite far away from the actual destination St. Jakob. We had to walk another 5 km on the road, got lost 2 more times, and finally reached our destination after 21 km with 1200 meters of altitude.

My room was the worst thing I have experienced in a long time. Totally dark, practically without daylight. And old-fashioned. I was completely frustrated. I didn't want to stay there at all, and I kept talking to the landlady until she gave me a modern, bright room in the new addition.

Now take a break again so that we can make it through the final stage tomorrow!