VIb.30    Section Prato Spilla - Lago   33km

It was as windy in the morning as it was last evening. Also the mountain tops where still in the clouds. The trail follows the ridge line and is most of the time above tree line. Therefor I decided to stay lower and hike parallel trails. Across a slight incline I walked to Lago Ballano. The place has a campsite and picnic places. Of course everything was closed. Moving on I had planned to go to the road Strada Valditacco - Passo della Colla. It started ok through the forest until I reached a creek. There was a sign warning of sudden flood waves due to hydraulic plant upstream releasing water. The creek was already rather deep. And then it started raining. I looked at the creek at the crossing as well as further up and downstream.

Being on my own, off the E1 and in the off season with no other hikers to be expected I decided not to attempt the fording. Instead I hiked back to Lago Ballano. This took me another hour of walking From there I followed the road downhill to Trefiumi. After a while the rain stopped. Here I went to a bar for a short break. Furtheron I crossed the creek which carried by now even more water and stopped at Trincery for lunch. It was nice and warm in the restaurant. Soon I arrived at Monchio delle Corti at 820m. Here I turned off and followed the road to Corniglio where I arrived in the evening. Before just outside the village of Riana the road was closed and blocked with concrete bars. Apparently rocks had fallen down from Mountain Groppo Sovrano on the road. Motorcycle came along the road so I figured I can hike along. There are two hotels in Corniglio. Both where fully booked. On I went along the road to Bosco di Corniglio. Well outside the village of Lago I found a spot by the road to set up my tent.

Headwaters of River Torrente Cedra are running high

Entering community Monchio delle Corti

At lower elevation it is warmer and already green

View from Passo del Ticchiano

Below Mountain Groppo Sovrano the road was closed