Thursday September 8th- Day 7

 Rifugio Contrin to Rifugio Cappanna Passo Valles 

A day of real contrasts- the route description from Bookatrekking gave us 1010m ascent and 980m descent over 7.5 hours. It was raining enthusiastically and we wore over-trousers as well as cagoules for the first time. We had to cross several streams running at high levels as usual, the day started with a climb. 

Start of the ascent from Rifugio Contrin
It was somewhat reminiscent of days in Scotland and just a matter of putting your head down and getting on with it. Time passes and, when you look back, you’re rewarded with an idea of how much height has been gained. 
Looking back towards Rifugio Contrin 
After some two and a half hours of upward movement we reached the Cirelle Pass and another brand new and contrasting vista.
At the Cirelle Pass with completely new views
We then had a very long, zig-zag descent on pretty loose scree- one of these paths that you’re happy you’re not walking up 
Did we really come down THAT?

The clouds gave us moody views with the next sets of mountains peeping in and out. Below is, we could see the Rifugio Fuciade, a potential lunch stop.
Potential lunch stop and the mountains beyond Val De San Pelegrino 

We skipped lunch at Rifugio Fuciade as 11:30 wqs a bit early and the somewhat bizarre tableau wasn’t that inviting.

We continued to the Passo San Pellegrino, where we had lunch. The ascent was initially on an access road (summer)/ski run (winter) which was a little soulless but, as ever, the views back were great. We had lost a lot of height but had to regain it for the evening‘s rifugio. 

Regaining the height that we’d lost

On levelling out a little, the way was a narrow track which could have been in Scotland or the Dark Peak- were it not for the mountains in and out of the clouds. 

Almost Scottish path
As we approached the Rifugio Cappanna Passo Valles we had a view of the ranges thar we’d be passing through the following day. 
The ways ahead

The rifugio was fantastic- we had a private room with en-suite, lots of towels and the food was great. Salad buffet, fruit, really fresh bread. All in all, it was a long (7.5 hour) but hugely enjoyable day. 

Next: Friday September 9th- Day 8

Previous: Wednesday September 7th- Day 6

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