Alpine Logistics

A few weeks ago Julia and I went for a walk in the upper reaches of Valle Elvo, Piemonte. On the way back I saw what looked like some boulders in the forest, so we side tracked and went to investigate.

By the river bank, nestled amongst brambles and covered in moss an array of huge boulders grow as is from the earth…all inclinations and sizes. Cleaning off some of the vegetation we found that the rock is a solid gneiss, in some places smooth, in others scattered with holds or split by cracks.

Excited by our new discovery we returned a few days later with a group of friends armed with brushes, brooms, crashpads and chalk bags! Our friends were also enthused by this new climbing location and within a few hours the first two problems were born. One involves a mantleshelf reminiscent of bouldering at Fontainbleau, grade around 6c; the other is a beautiful overhang with a series of intense and complex moves on crimps and slopers to reach the top. It awaits a repetition but has been graded around 7b/7b+.

We also cleaned the bottom half of an appealing lay-back crack but the top section requires a ladder or a rope, so it’ll have to wait until next time. Walking back we had a look at the remaining boulders. With some patients and determination we estimated that there must be about 60 boulder problems in all…photos coming soon!

The second day of spring dawned sunny and hot; a strong fohen wind was blowing and it felt like a summer’s day. We didn’t feel like getting into the car or going up high to find snow, the colours here at 800m were so vivid and inviting that we just put on our walking boots, packed some sandwhiches and set of into the alpine foothills.

Walking in the alps of Piemonte in spring is one of the most relaxing things I can think of. Here the mountain environment isn’t harsh or dramatic, which of course is part of the spectacular beauty of the higher alps, but gentle, peaceful, conforting and soon everwhere it’ll be buzzing with animal and plant activity.

It’s as if all of nature is in suspense waiting to burst into life. Trees purge their buds skyward and small, bright green leaves emerge timidly onto the still bare winter branches. The grass looks greener, butterflies and ladybirds start coming to life. It’s exciting to watch and I too feel the suspense of spring and summer on the way.

Local farmers and gardeners are busy preparing for the growing season; pruning fruit trees, cutting grass, spreading manure, sewing seeds and planting vegetables.

As we walk higher and further from houses and cultivated land, nature takes over in all her glory. Small streams run gaily down through the forest floor, carving smooth boulders on either side and giving life to trout communities in the bigger pools. Butterflies flutter past and insects still drunk from their awakening land all over the place. Crocuses and primroses beam up at us from the grass, completely carpeting many forest openings. One thing I haven’t seen here in the alps are bluebells…perhaps something that only the lush, slightly more moist climate of the British Isles can offer.

What a beautiful time of year!