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Long weekends in Italy: Gran Paradiso

Valsavarenche

A nice long weekend in the Gran Paradiso National Park, July 2003.

The Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II

Having departed Aosta and toured the famous Castle Fénis in the morning, and having checked into the Genzianella auberge in the Valsavarenche in the late afternoon, hikers at the trailhead in Pont (1960m) prepare to dart up to the Victor Emanuel II hut as speedily as possible and get back down again for a hearty pre-paid dinner at the hotel.

Just moments later, hikers pause at the tree line to gaze back down upon the trailhead and camping grounds at Pont on the way up to Vittorio Emanuele II.

As one leaves the bottom of the valley, the views become more expansive.

Vittorio Emanuele II's own refuge, at 2732m, in early evening, 11 July 2003.

The Lago di Moncorvé next to the refuge, and the Ciarforon (3640m) above.

Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II

Another building a bit higher, with donkey.

Leaving Victor Emanuel's hut speedily, lest the Genzianella's kitchen close down before we're able to line up with our pannikins for the Valdaostan specialities.

Splendid views all but unnoticed on the descent, so focused are we upon the Genzianella kitchens.

As shadows gather in the picturesque ravines, one is reminded again of Valdaostan specialities involving lots of cheese on top.

Mr Chamois gazing longing towards the valley, wishing that he too were headed for Valdaostan cheese specialities at the end of a long day.

Promising Mr Chamois that we'll bring him up some leftovers in the morning.

Feedback and suggestions are welcome if positive, resented if negative, Dwight Peck at . All rights reserved, all wrongs avenged. Posted 15 September 2003, revised 31 July 2007.

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