Kasseler Hütte – Greizer Hütte.

We knew we were in the big mountains when only after 3 hours did we start climbing the 800m to today’s pass, [2701m]  Lapen Scharte The day had started bright and clear, perfect for the long traverse below the glacier of Grosser Loeffler. We hopped across glacial streams with the odd bridge of help. Soon after leaving the hut we passed through the incongruous door, an ‘art’ installation on the hillside which hopefully will eventually disintegrate. The Kasseler remained in view all morning across the valley. Towards the end of the traverse cables helped us across a cliff face. On a magnificent viewpoint down the Stilluptal valley we snacked and girded our loins for the difficult climb through the boulder field up to the pass. Great care was needed not to loose the trail and not to break a leg amongst the haphazard rocks. The final steep pull up was rewarded by views to the steep gully leading to Moerchen Scharte, tomorrow’s unlikely objective.  An Ibex sat and watched us from a perch above the path. I managed to gash my leg badly  on a granite boulder at the pass reminding me to be more careful, I’m not as agile as I used to be. The Matterhorn like Greizer Spitze loomed above. Thankfully the way down the otherside was much easier and we soon sipping Berghütte trinken on the sunny balcony of the Greizer Hütte. Supper with some Dutch lads was enjoyable but we were soon ready for bed, 9pm.  We were assigned a busy dormitory but thankfully nobody snored.

The long traverse towards the pass in early morning light.

Glacial streams.

The infamous door.

Slow progress.

Looking across to the Kasseler Hutte.

Up to the pass.

Onwards and upwards.

Spot the Ibex.

The commanding Greizer Spitze.

Down to the Greizer Hütte.

Greizer Hutte.

Tomorrow’s gully looks daunting.

Today’s quote – “it’s not nice gneiss”  as we crossed the difficult boulder field.