VIb.25    Section Pistoia - Lago Santo   26km

Upon breakfast at the bar I walked back to the station to get the bus to Abetone. This was a two hour drive. Hiking started along an old gravel road before turning into a real trail. It followed for many kilometers along the steep slope of the mountain into Valley Sestaione. The Ski area of Abetone with many ski lifts is on the other side of the mountain. The trail passes underneath one chair lift going up to the top for the ski area. The trail climbed steadily and merged with a gravel road. Further along the road parked a car. From here on it was not possible to drive to Rifugio Lago Nero. The rifugio at 1735m ist just above the treeline. It was open for warm drinks and cookies. The two guys offering the hot coffee and tea had the stove running but planned to go back down to their car and would not offer any overnight stay.

From here on I continued through the alpine mountain area. Evenso the sun was shining it was still rather cool. There where some snow rements along the trail. I passed by two chair lifts and had a good view into the Val di Luce where the lifts started from. A road comes halfway up the mountain from the village. I saw a number of day hikers. Once I got to Passo di Annabale at 1800m I was on my own again. The trail continued along the mountain crest for a while before desending to Lago Santo Mondenese. There are four rifugio and the place can be reached by car. Three of them where closed. Rifugio Marchetti was open and served hot coffe and tea, cake and some sandviches. Over the weekend they where also open for staying overnight. Well it was not a weekend.

The host however arranged for me transportation to Casa Mordini. Here I could stay in an appartment. The owner had nearby a restaurant. I was the only guest and good a very good several course meal.

Trail E1 along the mountain side outside of Abetone

Rifugio Lago Nero

View down into Val di Luce

View from Passo di Annibale

Lago Santo Modenese