After an early breakfast and a three hour drive leaving Italy and entering Switzerland over the Great St Bernardo Pass, we were dropped off in La Fouly for the “easiest” stage on the TMB; 15km, 420m altitude gain and 565m loss.
The first 8km were an easy walk in a valley following a shallow wide riverbed being little utilised at present by the gentle flowing river. Pretty views of Swiss farmhouses perched on the gently sloping meadows and pastures. I was taking a shot of some cattle drinking from the river when Rob muttered a warning to look right where there was a fast approaching stampede of bell jangling black beasts. We scampered off the road but we’re still almost run over; some stopping mere inches from my tummy uncomfortable with our unfamiliar presence. Mutual discomfort.
The track winds through charming villages that appear to have been bypassed by modernity; picture postcards from yesterday without a hint of a coffee stop. Snow White with an extended family of dwarves welcomes visitors at one home that caught our attention.
The last 5km was a steep rocky climb; exhausting. We stopped at a cave about halfway up that extended deep into the mountain. The jagged roof of the cave entrance was compacted wood ….. not sure how that works.
The hotel is quaint, empty and a little creepy. A room with a view, a shower and a loo.
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