Albergo Plan del Rei (2020 m.), Mont Viso (3841 m.) and Le Pain de Sucre (3208 m.)
Hiking in the high valley of the River Po, around and above the sources of Italy's great river. Setting out from the Albergo Plan del Rei (2020 m.), our route was dominated by Mont Viso (3841 m.) and Le Pain de Sucre (3208 m.), stirring memories of previous hikes from the French side when I reached the summit of Le Pain de Sucre on a birthday.
A rocky path, which left the stock below a steep climb to the cold, clear water of Lago Fiorenza (2133 m.); it’s one of those Alpine lakes known as oligotrophic, describing the meagre food and minerals which support salamanders, frogs, insects and small fish. The dragon flies and fish (minnows and trout) were evident but we didn’t spot any of the amphibians.
Onwards to a viewpoint above the lake but still well below the main ridge, cloud in the valley approaching and we retreated after enjoying the view with our picnic.
Lago Fiorenza (2133 m.)
