Tue., Aug. 25: Coaz Hutte loop. 22+ miles, 7000+/- elev

Post date: Aug 25, 2009 6:31:56 PM

Only two days left before I return. Making the most of them.

• Drove to Pontresina (5600 feet)(about 15 minutes). Estimated 8 hour trek today.
• First 4 miles up Val Roseg. Caught up and passed horse carriages. I was walking at 4mph. They were taking pics of mountains, etc. and I used sign language to offer to take their pics. People in back handed me their camera and I stepped behind the carriage and took their pic, then caught up and a Japanese couple smiled and handed me their camera. It was pretty hilarious. I said 'bon voyage' then proceeded to trek up to their destination. They arrived a short while later.
• The next 5 miles gained several thousand feet elevation, and up to the Coaz Hutte (8600'). 3 hours for 9.2 miles.
• Then hiked up to the Fuorda Surlej pass (9000 feet) - 1 hour.
  • Decided to descend down the adjacent valley and loop back to Pontresina rather than drop down to Val Roseg.
• Magnificent descent down to Hahnensee and Lej dals Chods.
  • Took video and pics of all the lakes in the vicinity of St. Moritz. Stayed on the high-trail several thousand feet above all the villages.
• At 18 miles ran into a huge 100m wide rock slide. After crossing it I couldn't relocate the high-trail. Geez.
  • Had to descend 1500 feet to a lower trail that went down to the valley floor, then looped another 3 miles through the forest back to Pontresina. Descended through a boulder field and passed some folks who were really struggling. Very unsure of each rock, etc. --- rather than just go with the flow and work with (rather than against) the terrain.
  • This latter loop wasn't in the plans, but was well worth it. Nice lakes, bike paths, and shade after hanging in the higher elevations.
• OOPS --- 3 miles to go and my 8-hour park permit was running out. A pair of mt. bikers drove by and they spoke enough English to understand the situation. I gave them 2 francs and told them it was slot 35 in the lot across from the bike shop near the train station. They knew the place.
  • Upon returning, they purchased some more time and placed the ticket on my car wiper.
    • I love it when a plan comes together!

Long day: 22+ miles; with over 7000 feet elev +/-.

6.5 hours of moving time and averaged 3.5 mph for the entire loop. 8 hours including rest.

Pedometer showed over 41000 steps today.

Really fit now. Recover quickly and altitude is no longer an issue. Felt like running some of the loop (but wisely chose not to). Lots of uneven ground and boulder walking. Get a good nights sleep and ready for a 10 mile trek in the Swiss National Park tomorrow (about a 30 minute drive). Then homebound.