We made it. We’re at the top of the pass, looking down into Italy.
But… it was hard. It was uphill all day and very steep at many spots. We had to stop and catch our breath dozens of times. It was especially difficult at the end as we got up near 8000 feet and the air thinned. It felt like we were crawling at times.
That said, it was absolutely beautiful. Well worth all the work. My favorite stage so far.
Not surprising to see Saint Bernard stuff all over the placeEarly in our walk.After about 3 miles, we reached a dam. You can see Scott walking, which gives you a sense of the dams size .The views of the reservoir were unbelievable. The water reminded me of Hawaii.The snow covered mountains over the reservoirWe walked along the reservoir for about 45 minutes. It was glorious.We eventually climbed above the tree line. The higher we went, the more rocky it became.Footing was good here, but later we had to carefully walk through rocks, and dodge muddy portions of the trail.Our friends Chris and Shannon (from Calgary) taking a breather. We all celebrated with beers after we made it to the top.Italy from just over the pass. (It started raining after we arrived but should be lovely tomorrow.)
Sights and sounds from today.
Today’s Data:
Starting Temp: 48
Finishing Temp: 53
Even though it was relatively short, general consensus is that his was the hardest stage so far.
9 thoughts on “Day 7 – Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard”
Now you have a better understanding of what the TMB is like, except that it’s like that every day.
Those views are spectacular! But some of those rocky trails look pretty treacherous!! Love when you include the cows and their clanging bells… but I’m wondering if you are carrying a hidden cow bell and ringing it while videoing…. NONE of those cows appeared to be MOOving!! 🤣
So glad you are healthy again to be back on the trails and share your adventures with us!
Bill on the Camino 
Now you have a better understanding of what the TMB is like, except that it’s like that every day.
Don’t think I’ll do it after all. The refugios scare me a bit, and busing iff trail seems like a pain. Find me something else!
Glad you had nice moderate temps for this climb. I don’t think I would be fit enough to manage, but it looks glorious.
Weather was perfect. Not sure I was fit enough!
Hey! Mr. Bill,
Those views are spectacular! But some of those rocky trails look pretty treacherous!! Love when you include the cows and their clanging bells… but I’m wondering if you are carrying a hidden cow bell and ringing it while videoing…. NONE of those cows appeared to be MOOving!! 🤣
So glad you are healthy again to be back on the trails and share your adventures with us!
Keep up the wonderful journey!!
-Karen 🙂
Well done! Craggy mountains and cowbells, the best. Have fun storming Italy. Take them by surprise!
Well done! Craggy mountains and cowbells, a great day. Have fun storming Italy, take them by surprise!
Stunning! Well done.
I have to say your posted pics from this journey are spectacular and far superior to your Camino journeys. Also apparently more treacherous