A different scale

It is hard to explain the moment of awe when we suddenly see the view of the river gorge we are about to descend. Almost 3 vertical km of it. Normally, crossing a pass means the scenery shifts, but rarely does it feel so unexpected, and on such an altogether different scale. We have never had such a feeling of depth before us.

It is already 4.30pm, the sky is largely clouded but with odd rays of light of the sun. Our photos fail to fully capture its subtle yet dramatic beauty.

Our mission for the end of the day is 2-fold. First, descend to close to 3000m ( in keeping with the advice for altitude adjustment) and second, find a spot for the tent.

The descent contours around the mountains and gently down, then some hairpin bends. After some time we arrive in a tiny village nestled in a col with views on both sides. In the centre is a football field, next to school. ´Can we put a tent here for the night’. ´yes, no problem’. As we rapidly pitch the tent in the falling night, the village shop arrives courtesy of a pickup truck. The wares are spread out on the ground and quite a number of villagers arrive to stock up. The atmosphere is lively. No one seems at all fussed when we join in and buy some fresh fruit and vegetables.Read more