Schöllijoch 17-18 August

DSCN2047  17 August - CP in Visp as we start our reconnaissance of Schöllijoch IMG 0531  Once again, the kitchen gardens in Valais... IMG 0532  put ours in Vaud.. IMG 0533  to shame! What is it about the Valais?
DSCN2048  The mushrooms are going crazy in the forests! IMG 0534  The lower part of the trail to Topalihütte followed a bisse. DSCN2049  Then it began to climb... DSCN2050  and climb...
DSCN2051  until we came to an opening where we could see our destination WAY above us! DSCN2052  Topalihütte (it's visible in the previous photo). DSCN2053  We crossed roaring torrents. DSCN2054  Looking upward for the forest
DSCN2055  The trail was easy walking! DSCN2057  and protected from the sun. DSCN2059  We passed a shuttered alpage around 2000m DSCN2060  Le Dom comes into view.
DSCN2063  Above treeline, passed more torrents... DSCN2064  A trail junction near 2400 m DSCN2065  The hut is closer but still high above us. DSCN2066  The Barrhorn (3600 m) above moraines
DSCN2067  Huge cliffs on this side, but one can hike to the top of the Barrhorn from the other side. IMG 0536  It would've been hard would these bridges DSCN2068  Mountain torrent DSCN2069  More fungi
DSCN2070  Finally we arrive at the hut, 1550 m above the starting point DSCN2072  the Bietschhorn in the evening DSCN2073  the Dom and Täschhorn across the valley. IMG 0538  18 August - we head into the unknown!
DSCN2075  the Brunnegghorn DSCN2076  CP toiling up the trail IMG 0540  Schöllijoch comes into view DSCN2077  CP climbing next to frozen outlet of the glacier
DSCN2078  At last we can see what awaits us to the pass. 20140818 100751  Christine starts up the ladder.. 20140818 100754  Up she goes. 20140818 101253  After the ladder, ropes and footholds
20140818 101258  Almost a via ferrata 20140818 101322  Looking down toward the top of the ladder 20140818 101812  Bridge near the top 20140818 102153  The final passage
IMG 0544  On top of Schöllijoch (3300 m) DSCN2080  Bishorn: I skied up it last spring DSCN2082  The mineral world DSCN2083  Crevasses
DSCN2084  Trail down to Turtmannhütte DSCN2085  CP heading down DSCN2086  Icefall, Turtmanngletscher DSCN2087  Years ago, I skied up this route  to avoid that icefall
DSCN2088  More cables in a gully above the hut DSCN2089  Turtmanngletscher DSCN2091  Below the hut, looking back to the glacier DSCN2093  A young family on their way up
DSCN2095  Conked out! DSCN2096  The end of the hike, where we have stayed before DSCN2097  CP catching up with Brigitte DSCN2099  Ah, removing the boots!
DSCN2100  I can finally relax!