V.5    Section Airolo - Hospental 22,2 km

Forest near Airolo

Airolo                            6,0 km

Gotthard Pass                 8,0 km

Hospental                      8,2 km

The nice and dry weather allowed me to cowboy camp last night. This was the last night in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. Now it was onwards up to St. Gotthard Pass and then down again on the northern side. Until reaching Airolo I passed through a number of small villages. The trail descended down into valley before starting the ascent. I stopped in Airolo at the grocery for shopping and a second breakfast or early lunch. Soon I discovered that the marked trail was totally overgrown. So I had to walk the old road. The road is mostly covered in cobble stones. It was mostly used by motorcycles and a few cars. Half way up the trail became walk able again. It cuts off the long ends of the switch backs. Here I saw some chamois.

 

Arriving at the pass I found myself in a different world; far too many people, life music and car and motorcycle noise. I bought a Hamburger. What I got where two slices of bread with a meatball in between. No greens. Well, it was just like Disneyland up here. Then a short but heavy shower got everyone taking cover. I went into the entrance of the museum. Soon it was dry again and I could start my descent down the north side. Here the trail was across meadows and easy to walk. Just before I was caught by another heavy but this time longer rain shower I arrived at today's goal, the hostel in Laspental. They still had a bed for me and a good shower.

 

Early morning view of Ambri with airfield and road to St. Gotthard Pass

View back to Airolo and Ticino Valley while climbing towards St. Gotthard Pass

Ascent of St. Gotthard Pass along the old road.

Ascent of St. Gotthard Pass. These switch backs are already done.

St. Gotthard Pass

Stage coach on St. Gotthard Pass

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