Today was challenging to say the least.. Those 3743 feet of ascent were all real and included a challenging descent as well. We are tired.

I’m not sure what we can upload tonight due to poor wifi but we will try to catch up again tomorrow if possible.

We packed up our damp tents this morning after a sleep only interrupted by a chill and the presence of a curious fox. We started out in all of our layers in the chilly morning air but after only 30min the elevation gain and the rising sun soon had us back to shorts and t-shirts.

The views were again amazing with every step.

About 10am we stopped for tea and coffee having only accomplished 6km.

After the short break, the trail turned steeply upward and increased in steepness for the next 30min ending with a huge set of steps. The strain of climbing was amplified but the poor footing and precipitous falls that tensed every muscle. It was harrowing.

Nadine here

Yes today was difficult.  I’ve discovered I am not an Alpine hiker at heart.  I experienced my third Lyringospasm on this trip which completely unravels me, bringing me to tears.  Mark and Allison are great to slow the pace and encourage me to fully recover before going on.  It’s maddening to me because I want to do these mountains with ease but quite honestly the intense climbs are hard for me. I’ve made it through another day, thank you Jesus!  That’s been a theme for me this whole trip.  He is always present with me and carries me many times beyond what I can physically do.  I’m thankful for His constant presence in my life and truly Jesus deserves all the glory. 

Mark here again

We reached the summit by 12:45. It was with no small feeling of dread that we looked over the summit to find an equally steep and dangerous descent. Pictures can only partially describe the feeling.

The descent took hours and our knees were suffering from the long day.

Good news! We reached the bottom just in time for another 300m ascent up to our lodging.

Did I mention it was a tough day?

We arrived, did laundry and showered and shared dinner with a lonely Swiss lady Gertrude. She received and arrow and heard the good news.