Valais

Today's walk was classified as "challenging," and it was. After leaving Martigny, the track followed the Dranse River and the train line. The track was narrow, rough, and unstable (obvious rock slides, tree roots, loose stones - of all sizes - thick beds of pine needles and pine cones; all designed to trip you up). I got to cross a suspension bridge, and then the track conditions got worse. For the first time ever, I removed the rubber stoppers from my poles (to try to keep me more stable going down the loose stones) and actually put the pole straps on my wrists (I was not going to risk loosing a pole). Then, of course, I strayed unwittingly from the path (and upgraded the classification to "bloody difficult"), I crossed over a recent a landslide, realised my mistake, and scaled the side of the mountain to get back on track. That was no mean feat, I was dragging myself up a good 20 to 30m by tree roots, branches, and solid rock holds. Meanwhile, slipping on the loose earth! Honestly, I was scrambling on my hands and knees at one point! I kept repeating two things: "I am not enjoying this" and "you are an experienced bushwalker." When I got back on the path, I was covered in dust, my knees were grazed, my legs and face scratched and bleeding, and all my fingernails were broken! After that adventure, the wind was really taken out of my sails, but I knew I was strong enough for whatever the Path throws at me next. Thankfully, the Path in the afternoon was wider and much more civilised. I got to Orsieres safe and sound and have the most incredible view from my hotel balcony!Read more