02.09 St-Niklaus to Topalihütte

IMG 9149 Day 4 (2 September), Sharon and Nico leave us in St-Niklaus, while Howard joins us. DSCN2229 Summer gladiolas in the valley, DSCN2230 and great looking vegetable gardens-how do they do it?! IMG 1291 The valley station of the lift to Jungu.
IMG 1295 Howard and some fuzzy sheep. DSCN2231 Ladies waiting for the lift. DSC01011 We were a bit shocked to see a dead ibex come down on the lift. DSC01009 Bri, Jeremy and Co. headed up to Jungu
20140902 093153 The top station of the lift, 20140902 093952 where you are greeted by a cat. DSC01014 Jungu clings to the valley wall. IMG 2446 Leaving the village as clouds blow through.
DSCN2235 Through the forest IMG 5291 Above the forest with Jungu in the distance. DSC01015 The weather improves as we climb up Jungtal. IMG 5292 The crew stretched out along the trail.
IMG 5294 Howard takes a quick break DSCN2243 Valaisan roof IMG 5295 The clouds blow out as we climb higher. IMG 1301 A good spot for lunch.
DSCN2246 Christine enjoys her (heavy) avocado and fresh tomatoes! DSC01018 We enter the mineral world above treeline. DSCN2248 It is not immediately clear where we will cross the ridge in front of us. DSCN2251 Some options don't look so good!
IMG 1303 Panorama of stones IMG 5298 It is cooler up here. DSCN2252 And the route becomes more challenging IMG 1389 A wilderness of rocks
IMG 5300 Regrouping IMG 5303 Sarah, Hanspeter and Howard getting into the snow. IMG 5304 At the bottom of the very steep ascent to the Wasulicke DSCN2254 The route was exposed and icy, so the ropes were welcome.
DSC01021 The first group reached the pass (3114 m) IMG 1309 The stragglers arrive, IMG 1310 carefully choosing where to place their feet. DSC01024 Wasulicke
DSC01025 The group recuperates from the climb. IMG 1396 Some are energized, DSCN2258 others are emphatic, while DSCN2259 while others reserve judgment.
IMG 5305 Leo amongst the rocks DSCN2257 Looking over the pass to Brunnegghorn and Weisshorn IMG 1398 However we still have a ways to go. DSCN2264 The trail is rough.
IMG 1311 Our destination - Topalihütte - comes into view. IMG 2459 Indeed the trail is very rocky! DSCN2267 Mountain views DSCN2269 Dom and Täschhorn across the valley.
DSCN2270 Where does the trail go? IMG 2458 Topalihütte and Monta Rosa DSC01030 Chocolate-dipped goats DSCN2272 The hut seems to recede the closer we get.
DSCN2277 Sarah and Leo cooling their jets DSC01033 Nice glacial melt. DSC01035 Jeremy and his just desserts at Topalihütte. 20140902 165507 Hanspeter and Jeremy enjoy the view.
20140902 165514 Splendid! 20140902 174903 Dining room with a view - Topalihütte IMG 2463 Some of the dinners after a long day. IMG 1416 Sunset behind the Barrhorn.
20140902 200404 Last light on Dom.