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Gran Paradiso Alps 2009 A personal diary .... |
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Gran Paradiso Alps 2009 A personal diary .... |
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Travel to Milan
I set off and picked up Gordon and then headed to Cambuslang to collect James. We had an easy drive through on the M8 and arrived at the Park & Fly for Edinburgh Airport. The others arrived within 5 minutes, and after booking in, we got on the minibuses that took us to the airport. We checked in without any problems although some were group A and the rest group B.
The Wetherspoon’s bar provided us with an early lunch and drink, before we went through to departure. When it came to boarding the plane, the ‘A’ group kept seats for us so we were all grouped together. It was a good flight although there was some turbulence on the way, but we landed early.
We collected our rucksacks which seemed to be the last out, and having gone through customs headed for the bus station. On the way we passed a shop selling 3 for 2 tickets so took advantage of the offer. We duly got on the bus and after the 50 minute journey arrived outside Milan Central Station.
It was no problem finding the Hotel Edolo and we were soon booked in. We met up in reception and after having a beer, set off back to the station to get the tickets to Turin. On the way we passed a pharmacy that had a sign indicating that the temperature was 33º C.
We tried the auto service machines, but these did not seem to work so we headed for the queue at the ticket counters. We were fortunate in getting a cashier that spoke English and soon had the tickets.
We then went back outside looking for somewhere to eat. We found a nice restaurant (Pizzeria San Giorgio) and settled in outside. It had a huge selection of pizzas as well as pastas. We were given a pizza as a complimentary starter that was very nice. We eventually selected our meals and all enjoyed what they had selected. Miriam and Diane left early to go back to the hotel. Our table was given complimentary liquor.
We stayed for another drink and then headed back to the hotel. Gordon, James and I spent some time trying to get the air conditioning unit to work before resigning ourselves to the fact that it wasn’t cooling the room and went to bed.
Travel to Ceresole Reale and Rifugio Guido Muzio
I didn’t sleep too well but we were up at 6.30 and felt better after a shower. Headed down for breakfast at 7.00. It was a good selection but the first lot of coffee was cold. After breakfast, we collected our stuff and met up to walk to Milan Central. Remembering to frank the tickets, we got on the train. It left 15 minutes late, but we had an uneventful trip to Turin Porta Susa.
Having arrived, we went to the main entrance and found a newspaper stall that sold the local GTT tickets. We got the tickets for the train / bus to Pont Canavese as well as the bus ticket from Pont to Ceresole Reale.
As we had plenty of time to spare, we then headed out of the station and found a nice cafe for a coffee. We then returned to the station to await the local train. It turned out to be a very modern train and the trip to Rivarolo was very comfortable. The bus was waiting and it was no problem changing to it. The journey to Pont went without comment and having been dropped off, we did not have long to wait for the bus for Ceresole Reale. It was an interesting trip as the driver seemed to know the exact width and length of the bus as we wound round some tight hairpins.
When we arrived at Ceresole Reale, there was evidence of a bike race in progress as there were kilometre signs as we approached and also a finishing line. We got off the bus in the centre of town and found a nice bar for a beer and a substantial sandwich.
After this we then set off up the road for the Rifugio Guido Muzio. When we arrived, they didn’t seem to have our booking registered. However, I showed them the e-mail confirming the booking and we then got booked in. We had 2 rooms for 2 and 1 crowded room for 6. We got ourselves settled in and had showers before meeting up for a drink.
Dinner was at 7.30 and we all gradually arrived. It was a 3 course meal of pasta, meat course and a great chocolate cake. The wine and beer was reasonably priced. We all set off for bed at 10.30 as the rifugio closed down.
Rifugio Guido Muzio to Rifugio Cittá di Chivasso
We were up at 7.30. It was crowded trying to get a wash in the bathroom before heading in for breakfast. There was a reasonable selection but you had to use the same bowl for cereal and then the coffee, tea etc.
After breakfast, we got ready for the walk and after I had settled the bill, we headed up the road. It wasn’t long before we found the start of the Sentiero Videsott and started our climb. It was a good path but as we got higher it started to get misty. We made good time on the ascent and before long we arrived at the Sentiero del Re. This coincided with a large flock of sheep arriving from the opposite direction. We took a break until they had passed.
The guide books all rate the Sentiero del Re as the best for views, but unfortunately due to the mist we were not able to confirm it. We walked along until we met the road going up to the Col di Nivole and watched the buses and traffic zigzagging up. We took the track that mostly avoided the road and came out slightly above the Rifugio Chivasso. We headed down and occupied a table outside. As we did, the sun came out. One of the staff came out and we ordered some beers and all were on the table by the time everyone had arrived.
I went inside and introduced myself to the guardian, Allesandro. He then came outside and welcomed everyone to the rifugio. After the beers, we went inside and had some soup for lunch. Some followed the soup with cake. We were the only ones booked in for that night, so we were shown the accommodation and opted for 2 rooms for 6 so that none of us have to change rooms. However 4 of us will have company the following night.
We all set out for a walk around the area. Several of us went up to some nearby pinnacles and took some photos as the valley below was still covered in cloud. Ian, James and I then headed down to the lakes and over to the Rifugio Savoia where we had a beer before heading back up to the Chivasso.
Water was in short supply, so we couldn’t wash clothes in the rifugio. The girls made use of the shower but weren’t impressed with it. The rest made do with a cold water wash at the sinks before heading in for dinner. We had another resident by then .. a guy from England who lived in Germany. He was cycling through and intended to go over one of the high snow covered passes into France the following day.
The dinner was OK and the wine was good. After dinner, we had a couple of drinks before heading for bed at 10.00.
Around the Rifugio Cittá di Chivasso
We got up for breakfast at 8.00. 7 of us had decided to head for Monte Taou Blanc .. at 3438m, it was a challenging ‘rest day’. Miriam had decided to go up to the pinnacles and on her descent met up with Iris and Diane to walk up to the Tre Becchi lakes.
We walked up the path to the cow sheds, where there was a spring to get drinkable water. We then headed up past some lakes, stopping at a point above Lago Rosset for a break, before heading into Valle de Leynir and then up to the Col di Leynir. Willie decided that this was as far as he would climb. The rest then set off and after an initial scramble it was a reasonable path up to the summit.
As we climbed higher I started to feel the effects of the altitude and slowed down. However I made the summit which only had space for one person at a time. Ian did an excellent job taking everyone’s photos. We moved off the summit a short way to a good place to have our lunches.
We then set off back down to the col. When we arrived, it was obvious that Willie had started back down. We headed down the path and before long caught up with Willie. We continued down and stopped at the same point overlooking Lago Rosset. While we were there, the girls met up with us. Mark and Miriam decided to head back down to return to the rifugio. The rest of us decided to have a walk around the lake. We headed down, passing some marmots on the way, and Ian, James, Diane and I crossed the stepping stones to the island in the lake. Photos were taken on the return crossing as some of the stones were less than secure.
Having got back to the ’mainland’, we all had a pleasant stroll back to the cowsheds where we again topped up with water. We then headed back to the Chivasso. On getting back, we joined Mark and Miriam sitting outside and having a beer.
We gradually went inside and cleaned up for the evening. The place was a lot busier with two other groups of 10 having arrived. We duly had our 2 extra occupants in the room. After another beer, we headed in for our evening meal. It was better than the previous night and was all eaten after a taxing day. After a couple of other drinks, we again headed for bed at 10.00 as the rifugio closed.
Rifugio Cittá di Chivasso to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele
We were up for breakfast at 7.30 but the place was already busy .. it was a case of waiting to get a place to wash. However after eating there were not so many about. In the early morning the valley had an inversion that made for good photos.
I settled the bill after a query on the price. It was settled on the lower price with the added advantage that I had a 5 euro per night added discount as the group leader.
In the meantime, Iris had emptied her rucksack looking for her specs. At the time she could not find them and mentioned this to the rifugio staff.
We eventually set off and by this time the mist had burned off. We started by walking down the road until we came to the route sign. Because his knee was troubling him, Willie decided to continue along the road. The path we took looked to be an old road and was pleasant walking. Eventually, Willie left the road and came down to join us.
The walk down through the valley was very scenic and we gradually came to the tree line. Before long, we came to the steeper descent. It was a well made path that zigzagged down the steeper parts and it didn’t take long before we walked out behind the Albergo Gran Paradiso in Pont at 11.45.
We ordered some beers and waited for the place to start serving lunch that was advertised at 12.30. However at 12.15 a girl came out and told us that lunch was being served. It was a self service and I opted for the lasagne as did several others. It was very good. Some had the soup and that looked as if you would need a knife and fork to eat it!
Fully refreshed, we then got ourselves organised and set off along the track beside the river. Before long we started to head up initially through forest and then into open countryside. It was a long slog up nearly 800m but eventually the rifugio came into sight .. in my case just after I had stopped to get some water. All arrived within a short time and we assembled at a table outside and had a beer. I went inside and booked us in. We had 2 rooms for 5 each with a double and triple bunk.
We got settled in and took turns in the showers before going down to wait for dinner. We had a drink before the dinner which was an excellent meal. We even got discounted prices for the drinks as Alpine club members!
Alan, Mark and Miriam headed for bed early as they were going to attempt Gran Paradiso the following day. The rest shared another wine and some had a liqueur before heading to bed at 10.00.
In our room, Ian was in the top bunk of the triple and managed to hit his head on the roof several times before settling down. Iris said he was snoring within 5 minutes, but I must have been asleep quickly as I never heard him.
Around the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele
Mark, Miriam and Allan were up for breakfast at 5.00 to set off for their climb before 6.00. This was long before the rest of us who went down for breakfast at 8.00. We appeared to be the only people left to get breakfast as the rifugio seemed to be very empty.
After eating, Ian, James, Gordon and I set off to climb La Tresenta (3609m). It was an easy walk up into the upper valley. The glacier had receded so much that there was only about 20 metres of it to cross to get to solid ground. Most of the ice was so receded that there were boulders and gravel on the surface so it was fairly easy to cross.
We had an initial scramble but then found paths going up through the boulders. As we headed up to the summit, a guided group was descending, all in full waterproofs and roped up .. a bit different to us in T-shirts and shorts! We eventually arrived at the summit and after a quick set of photos, headed back down as the weather looked like closing in.
The descent was interesting as a lot of the boulders moved when stood on and continued to move after we had left them! With a few sudden changes in direction, we eventually reached the snow field again and crossed it without any problem. After that it was a straightforward walk back to the rifugio.
When we arrived, we discovered that all of the others were already back. Miriam, Mark and Allan had turned back after about 800m of ascent as they had discovered that half crampons were not adequate for continuing. Willie had walked up the same route as us before turning back at the base of La Tresenta. Iris and Diane had taken the path towards the Rifugio Chabod, turning back once they hit a bouldery part.
All of us had arrived back at the Vittorio Emanuele within half an hour. Some of the group had some lunch while the rest settled for a beer. However it started to rain so we all decanted inside. We discovered that the water was off so we couldn’t go and shower. Eventually the rain stopped but the valley was full of cloud. The sun started to shine so we went back outside.
The water came back on so we headed back inside in turns to get a shower. We then went down to gather in the dining room for a drink before dinner. The dinner was very good again and outside it was still raining on and off. After dinner we had some nightcaps before heading for bed again at 10.00.
Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele to Camping Hotel Grivola
A strong wind got up overnight. I could hear the flags snapping in the wind. Iris eventually got up and shut the window as it was banging. Shortly after we got up, and after dressing went down for breakfast. Again it was quiet but there were already groups who had returned having abandoned their attempt on Gran Paradiso due to the wind.
We got packed and after I had paid the bill, we set off along the path to the Refugio Chabod. It was a nice walk along a good path with views down the valley. We arrived at the Chabod shortly after 11.00 to find a sign saying it was closed for service from 11.00 to 12.00. We sat about and were thinking of leaving, when they opened for coffees at 11.30.
We all trooped inside and ordered coffee and cake while Ian and Diane got outrageous hot chocolates that with the cream looked like small versions of Gran Paradiso! After this quick calorie boost, we left and started down the path to the valley.
It was a good gradual track that zigzagged down, bringing us into forest. There was a nice view point part way down where a few took photos. Eventually we arrived at the valley and waited short of the bridge for all to arrive. Some of us decided to change out of our boots to trainers or sandals, as we were about to walk along a road.
We set off down the road and it was not long before we arrived at Eaux Rousses and found the start of the Alta Via 2 route. We decided to climb this track but found that it was closed due to forestry work. We took the track that we were on and it took us back to the road. We walked down the road and soon discovered the hotel, just off the road. When I had done a web search for its location, it had been shown up the hill in the hamlet of Bien!
We got booked in. French was a help as a local patois that was mostly French was spoken in the area. The rooms were spacious and comfortable although the low beams caused some problems with bumped heads. After settling in we went down to the bar for a beer before heading back up to get cleaned up.
As the AV2 was closed, some of us headed out to try to find the start for route 10 that met up with the AV2. The patron had said that it was a good walk with plenty of wildlife to be seen. After some exploring, Willie and I found a path that met up with route 10 and met up with Ian, Iris and Allan who had also found the start of the path by a nearby hamlet.
We returned to the hotel and had a pre-dinner drink. The evening meal was very good. We had choices on all 3 courses. After the meal, we went back to the bar for a coffee and some night caps. Packed lunches were ordered for the following day. We had a late night going to bed at 11.00!
Hotel Grivola to Rifugio Vittorio Sella
I had a good night’s sleep. It had rained overnight and was still a bit cloudy but we weren’t too concerned as we wanted cool weather today. After breakfast, we picked up the lunches. They were quite large.
We checked out and after I had paid the bill, we walked down the road and on to the track past the farm that lead up to route 10 at the waterfalls. It was a good track taking us up gradually through the forest. It was still cloudy and also a slight drizzle but it was good for climbing.
We met up with the AV2 path and headed up to the ranger’s station where we could top up with water. It was a good gradual track that had been built so that hunting parties could go up it on ponies. As we climbed, we saw marmots, chamois and ibex. As we got higher it got cooler and there were various stops to put on jackets. We had a couple of stops on the way up and tried to make inroads into the packed lunch. The blocks of chocolate were a challenge.
Eventually, we came to much looser stony terrain. It was getting windier and we had occasional flurries of hail. As we got higher the path ahead was less obvious until we got near it but we finally got to the Col Lauson. At 3296m, I think it is the highest col that the club has gone over. At the col we could round a corner and get some shelter from the wind.
After everyone arrived and various photos taken, we set off down as there were no takers for Punta del Tuf due to the weather. The first bit of the descent was very loose and slippery. Then there was a short roped bit and a couple of bridges to cross before the path became more gradual.
It proved a nice walk down to the Rifugio Sella and the sun came out as well. As we neared the Sella, it started to rain again. Gordon was first to arrive and had got us booked in. We had 2 rooms for 8 so had space to spare. We got settled in then walked over to the bar .. the rifugio consisted of 3 buildings and the bar was separate.
We initially sat outside but as it got chilly, we moved inside. Di left to have a shower and Iris went over to the rooms. The guardian came over to our table and gave us a history lesson of the region. He then put down a large bottle of wine on the table and filled a cup. He indicated to Willie that he should take a drink and pass the cup round. When it completed the circuit it was refilled and passed round again. This was repeated until the bottle was empty.
We gradually returned to the other building to get cleaned up. Some had showers that were in the 3rd building. We then headed in for dinner. There had been choices for each course, but Gordon had been given the list when booking in and we had sorted out what everyone wanted. It was a good meal and after having coffee, most headed for an early night.
Rifugio Vittoria Sella to Albergo Belvedere
After a reasonable night’s sleep, I got up for breakfast. Mark, Gordon, James and Allan decided to climb a nearby summit (Testa Tsa Plane, 3013m) that, although not having a trail shown on our maps, had one indicated on maps in the rifugio.
After breakfast, I settled the bill and like the rest went outside to get ready for the walk. The four set off for their mountain while the rest of us started down the track towards Valnontey. It was a nice day again and it was a scenic walk down the valley. As it was Saturday, we started to meet a lot of people coming up the track.
We eventually got our first glimpse of Valnontey and before long were walking past the botanical gardens and into the village. We stopped at the first hotel for a break and something to drink. It was very pleasant sitting in the sun, but we still had a little bit more to walk to get to Cogne. The track went alongside the river and it was easy going. As we neared a bridge, we had to wait while a herd of cows were sauntering across. We then headed across a flat grassy area before arriving in the centre of Cogne.
There was a wedding reception in the garden of one of the hotels as we passed. We found a nice cafe with seats outside the town hall. All the buildings seemed to be awash with flowers. We ordered some beer and paninis for lunch. Very tasty and filling.
While there, Mark, Gordon, Allan and James arrived. They had climbed the summit but apparently it was not a good path and was a bit loose underfoot. They had stopped for some lunch in Valnontey.
We had discovered that there was a bus due that would go up to Gimillan and Mark, Allan and Diane decided to take it. The rest of us set off to climb the 200m up to the village. We were a good way up when the bus passed and we arrived at the village as the bus passengers were arriving at the hotel. It wasn’t long before we had arrived on the terrace. The views were super .. the only thing marring them was a radio mast right next to the hotel.
After a beer, we got booked into the rooms. We soon got showered and tidied up then headed back out on to the terrace. However as it got cooler, we headed inside to the bar to await dinner. We were called in and got seated. This was some dinner! It was all served to us in 50 minutes. We had 5 courses and the portions were not exactly small. The food was delicious. Miriam couldn’t eat her dessert and when we went back to the bar, Gordon said he didn’t have space for another beer!
However we ordered some coffees and also a few had a liqueur. I think most of us had an early night.
Around the Albergo Belvedere
7 of us were up for an earlier breakfast. It was self service but there was a good selection on offer. Six of us had decided to head up route 8 into the Valle de Grauson.
On the edge of the village there was a large direction board indicating the various destinations on route 8 and its branches. We set off along a good path. It was quite scenic and we made good time to Alpage de Grauson. Here the path split, and while Ian and Allan were to head for the Laghi di Lussert, the rest of us were taking the route to Lago Money.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the lago. It was a bit disappointing as it was not very big and was quite dried out. We had a short break before going back down the track to find the cairns indicating the path to Monte Creya (3015m). In parts it was quite steep and also loose underfoot but we came to a path that took us to the ridge and from there to the summit.
We were rewarded with fabulous views on the summit. Another walker had arrived having come up from the opposite side and commented ‘Bella’. We stayed for a time taking photos. While on the summit, we heard the sound of machinery and looking towards a nearby ridge saw smoke. It seemed that there were a couple of teams drilling! As a mine was marked on the map we could only assume that that was where it was.
We started down the path and initially it was a good gradual path. As we descended we noticed that there was a wind sock above the drillers. We came to route 9. This was steep and dusty for most of the descent. It also took us past the old mine workings. There were several boards along the path giving the history of the mines.
At the area where it appeared that the mine workings had been collapsed, there was a wooden sign indicating 1000m from the start. As we walked down we came across others indicating every 100m of ascent. There were also several people running up the path. It looked as if it was a vertical kilometre route.
On the way down, we also passed the abandoned Colonna mine buildings. The mines produced iron ore and were in production until the 70’s. We eventually came to a road that brought us to Montroz and from there it was a short climb back up to Gimillan and the hotel. We were surprised to find that we were the first back.
Gradually the others arrived back. Iris had walked down into Cogne and dropped into the tourist Information office. All the bus timetables were advertised up to today! Those that were going to take the bus to Aosta did not have a bus from Gimillan down to Cogne. Also, she had found that the Pila cable car’s timetable was valid until tomorrow. It also had a lunch time closure from 12.15 to 14.00. After finding this advantageous information, she walked to Epinel.
Willie had walked to Lillaz and then taken the waterfalls path. Ian and Allan completed their route up to the lakes. Diane and Miriam had a look around Cogne before taking the gondola up to the ski area. With Iris’s information, it looked like all would need an early start in the morning.
We then all departed to have showers and get ready for tonight’s meal. We again met up in the bar before heading into the dining room. It was another 5 course meal although I didn’t feel as full as yesterday.
We returned to the bar after dinner. I decided to settle the bill so that we could get a quick start in the morning. After some drinks, most of us headed for bed fairly early.
To Aosta and Milan
We were all up for a 7.00 am breakfast. 6 of us were going to do the walk to Pila while the rest were going to walk down to Cogne to get the bus to Aosta.
Those that were going to be walking, set off at 7.45 through the village stopping at the spring to fill the water bottles. We had a steady walk up tarmac roads before coming to the start of the route 3 path. Ian and Gordon had seemed to lag behind but when they caught up with us explained that the hotel owner had chased after them for the room key. However, after returning, it was evident that Iris had the key and all was well.
Once on the path it was a steady climb up through the trees and before long we came to Arpisson, having made good time. It was obviously occupied as there were horses, chickens, cats and kittens in the vicinity.
We then followed the path that was route 2 before heading up route 2a. It was an obvious path, but suddenly we came across signs indicating route 3a. This coincided with the route on Ian’s map but also was still going in the right direction to the col. The path turned steep but flattened out on the last bit to the Col Tsa-setze.
We arrived there by 10.00 which was well ahead of schedule. Ian phoned Iris to let her know and they were just arriving in Aosta! We took several photos and also walked out to a small peak nearby. It does not appear to have a name on the maps but was a good view point for Mont Blanc.
We then started down the path to Pila. The first 150m of descent was quite rocky but the path soon got better. Before long we reached the ski area where the paths became somewhat vague. However by following some of the pistes down we came into Pila and soon found the top station of the cable car. As it was 12.05, we purchased the tickets for the downward trip.
It was a gondola system and we jumped into them in pairs. It was an amazing trip down 1200m. We crossed over orchards, vineyards and finally the river and then the motorway with lorries rushing past 20m below us before we arrived in Aosta.
When we had all disembarked, Ian phoned Iris to find out where they were. They were in a cafe in the central square having lunch. Having checked on which square they were in, we prepared to set off to meet them. Some of us changed our boots for trainers, while Ian ceremoniously deposited his boots into a rubbish bin.
We soon found the square having passed through the railway station en route. It appeared that it was a public holiday and most of the place was closed for the day. At the opposite end of the square was a stage being set up for an evening concert. While having our lunch, they did a sound check that deafened us. However it didn’t last long.
While we had passed through the station, I had noticed that there was a train to Milan at 14.29, an hour earlier that the one planned. We headed for the station so that we could get this train and arrive in Milan a bit earlier.
We had no problems with getting the tickets, although Diane had met an English couple and was talking to them. However, where she was, was acting as an echo chamber and we had to ask her to be quiet so that the ticket staff could explain that it was a group ticket.
We headed to the indicated platform and there was a train here. However there was nothing on the indicator boards to say if it was the train. Eventually the signs came up and we got on board the train.
It was a good trip with interesting scenery. We counted off the stations before arriving at Chivasso where we had to change for Milan. We walked to the correct platform and after a short wait, the Milan train arrived. It was quite crowded, but we all managed to get on the same carriage.
It was a good journey and with the windows open was quite cool. It didn't seem too long before we came into Milan Central. Working our way from the platforms, we left the station and walked once again to the Hotel Edolo. We got welcomed back and booked in. This time I had a single room that was on the ground floor. It had an air conditioning unit that worked as well!
We all got showered and changed. As I had the single room, I let the ones in the room for 4 know when I was finished and Willie took advantage of the vacant shower.
We met up in reception and decided to return to the Pizzeria San Giorgio. We were welcomed back and as they rearranged the tables were asked .. 10 beers? However on this occasion some wanted wine. The drinks were delivered and we looked over the menu again.
We ordered our meals and again they were very good. After a few more drinks and some of us ordering desserts, I was the first to head back to the hotel at 10.20. I was feeling tired and unlike a lot of the others had not had a sleep on the train journey. When I got back, I had to readjust the air conditioning as the room was quite chilly.
Most left to get back to the hotel by 11.00 but some stopped off at another bar before arriving around 12.00.
Travel home
We were all up for the early breakfast at 7.00. However the concierge said that it wasn’t open until 7.15. However, we went in to the room and started on the fruit juice and cereal. We had croissants delivered but again the coffee was at best lukewarm.
We were soon finished and then headed back to the rooms to get our stuff. I got my passport back as we checked out and then we headed for Milan Central. On the way through, I spotted a place selling 3 for 2 tickets to Malpensa. I duly went in and purchased the tickets.
Arriving at the bus stances, there was a bus waiting. The driver checked that there was enough seats left for us and we then loaded our rucksacks on to the bus before finding the remaining seats. We were on our way by 8.00.
On arrival, we headed for the Easyjet check in and found there was a ‘All UK’ queue. We joined it and were booked in without any problems. We then headed through security and after browsing through the Duty Free, headed for a coffee.
We eventually headed through to the departure gate. Not much space for seating but we all managed to find somewhere to sit and wait for the boarding call. Eventually the flight was called on time and, as we were all ‘A’ boarders, we got on and managed to get good seats.
After take off we actually flew over part of the Gran Paradiso park. We flew over Aosta and past Mont Blanc getting great views. The journey went quickly and it didn’t seem long before we were descending into Edinburgh.
We went through passport control and waited to collect our rucksacks. Our stuff came out slowly but we had all got our sacks except Gordon. The conveyor belt was empty but finally after about 5 minutes his rucksack appeared.
We went through customs and out into the arrivals and on to the bus stances. We called Park & Fly and were told that a bus would be there shortly. We didn’t have long to wait and after having loaded up on the minibus, headed back to collect the cars.
Having arrived, we loaded our luggage into the cars. We then said our goodbyes before each headed back along the M8 towards Glasgow. I dropped off James first at Cambuslang, before heading for Giffnock and delivering Gordon to his door. I then had the short drive before arriving home.
Despite
having encountered problems while arranging this trip, when we got to Italy just
about everything worked out well.
I don’t know about the others but I enjoyed
myself on this trek.
Bob MacDonald