From Alpe Res the path leads downwards again and then on tarmac to Santa Maria. It is a not too long, but awful stretch, especially in this heat. We took a break at Santa Maria and had a drink at the posto tappa. I am so glad I didn't go there yesterday as I had originally planned. It is squallid, at least what I saw. The path wasn't as nice as the one yesterday, but nice and there were some nice views of the alps and small villages, like the place in the photo (I have no idea what it is called).