Europe with Asmir and Miriam

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We retraced our steps back down the upper mountain, then down the short stretch of ferrata, back to the top of the narrow gully we had earlier climbed. From here, we had to cross through a small pass and head down the northeast aspect of the peak, towards the rifugio. The first part of this consisted of a ferrata-protected descent of a small arete of rock, which was a little tiring because you had to bend down a lot to unclip and reclip.

R. Locatelli and T. Toblino

Down a ridge

Evening Light at Forcella Toblin

After 30 minutes or so of this type of descent, we reached the top entrance of the extensive tunnel network on this side of the peak. Although the route itself does not finish here, the ferrata part essentially ends here. We entered the bowels of the north east ridge through a ridged, cement-lined doorway.

Downclimbing De Luca-I

Final downclimb

Nearing the big Tunnel

We walked and walked in darkness (well, with our headlamps on, so not entirely in darkness), gradually descending at first, then more steeply and with stairs. Off to either side of the main tunnel were side passages, which usually led to lookouts over either side of the ridge. A commanding position this would have been!

Underground!

Briefly outside

Super Steps

It was well into dusk as we exited the tunnel complex at the lower end of the ridge. Looking back gave us a good overview of the prominent peak we had just climbed and descended. Ahead of us was a stone trench that led over the last bit of the dwindling ridge to the large structure of the rifugio, whose windows were beginning to light up the darkness.

Finishing at Dusk

Rifugio Locatelli.

Forcella Toblin at sunset

As it stood, we had no reservations at the rifugio. I hoped that the fact that it was September (off season) and mid-week would mean that we still stood a chance of getting our own 4-bunk room (there are only so many of these more private rooms - after that you end up in a general dorm section). Fortunately, the room-keeper did have space for us, and initially I understood him to also say that we had a room to ourselves. But clearly I misheard, because when we got to our assigned room, it was one of the large dorm rooms. I felt pretty disappointed with this, because I knew that Asmir valued his sleeping privacy, and I had worked hard during the day to contact the rifugio to ensure just that. But, to no avail. Why the @#$ didn't they answer their phone?

Ready for dinner

Anyway, on the plus side, we had shelter for the night in a warm and busy rifugio, and dinner awaited. We went downstairs to the main eating area and ordered up a very decent quality meal (which I've noticed is par for the course in these places). Afterwards, we whittled away the rest of the pre-bedtime hours playing the Bohnanza card game.

Interactive Trackmap & Photo Points - Double-click map to expand

Interactive Trackmap & Photo Points - click to expand

De Luca-Innerkofler Ferrata (to R. Locatelli)

Start Time: 1:48p.m.

End Time: 6:48p.m.

Duration: 5h0m

Distance: 5.24 km (3.26 mi)

Average Speed: 1.0 km/hr (0.7 mph)

Start Elevation: 7639ft (2328m) *

Max Elevation: 9030ft (2752m) *

Min Elevation: 7581ft (2311m) *

End Elevation: 7904ft (2409m) *