Halfway into Val Forno it started to rain hard and there was a thunderstrom nearby. We called capanna Forno and Albigna to see what the weather was like there and ask possible advice whether to go ahead or not. The result was more or less to watch the weather and decide for ourselves. We decided to go to the second possible crossing for the Forno hut and see. There we met two Italians coming down from Passo Casnil, very optimistic, very lightly dressed. We decided to go on to Albigna hut and then the trouble started. The first part of the ascent towards the pass was absolutely awful, there had been landslides and some bits were really critical. Then it started to rain and hale and then we were in the middle of a thunderstorm. And it didn't get better. We had another 600m to climb and the weather became worse and worse and the wind was incredible. It was cold. In the last awfully long and steep climb to the pass in the snow I was blown over once and thought to myself: this is how it must be up on the Everest. It was so exhausting I thought I was going to collapse but I also knew we would get up there somehow. And we did. But we had another two thunderstorms and then it rained all the (difficult) path (wasn't a path actually) down to Albigna. We were really glad to get to the hut and we were soaked. Completely. The landlord set up an electric fan in the entrance room and all of us here are trying to dry our stuff. We are the only walkers here, the rest are climbers. This is also a climbing area.

What a day. It started of fair enough. We, at least I, were a little worried about the weather. But we had an alternative to capanna Albigna which wasn't as far, capanna Forno. There were a lot of clouds but everything went well until the crossing to Passo Muretto. Before that we passed lake "Lagh da Cavloc", nice place.

I didn't have the time yesterday so I am showing you these two signs from Salecina, they tell you something about the project's philosophy and history. The second sign is in three languages, the third one is "romanic" (I think that is what it is called in English), rätroromanisch in German, romancio in Italian. Anyway it is the original language of Grigioni or Graubünden.
I really like the place and the way it is organised. We had a very early breakfast in the kitchen downstairs and left before eight. A strong wind was blowing, but the forecast wasn't that bad.

After a cheerful reunion with Maurizio in the bus we arrived without any problem by bus and train changing at Thusis and St. Moritz. From Maloja it was a tiny walk to Salecina, which is where we are staying tonight. I knew it was a somewhat "different" place, didn't know however that it is a very special project with different price levels and a very clear involvement of the guests. Everyone has a chore to do every day, cooking, cleaning, coordinating. We washed up in the "pot kitchen" (there are two kitchens).
I'm in love with the project and the house, houses really, which are old and beautiful. Interesting people come here and normally stay longer than a day. Most people stay a week or longer, there are painting courses and families here for a holiday.

More impressions...

One of the stories, true or not, you can read about the canyon while walking down the 371 steps to the lowest point.

I just looked at "Viamala Schlucht" near Zillis. I met the Swiss couple form Turrahus last night in the street and we had a nice chat during which I told them enthusiastically about the coast path. Then I met them again this morning and they suggested I take an earlier bus and stop at the Viamala canyon. I'm surrounded by tourists of all kinds, buses, campers, motorbike gangs... This canyon is a major attraction. By the way, the Swiss couple said they're going to England next dear. Good advertising on my part for my beloved coast path.