Monica Rocafforte On Line

The Diary - January 14, 2011

the rocks bordering the canal south-west - photo by Indio; below: 1. loricati shoulder east of the rocky canyon, 2. during the ascent, 3. parked on a rock, 4. Southwest saw the canyon from the west ridge, below the summit; 5. the center of the photo, pair of ravens on a rocky peak, facing the horizon, 6. author's self-timer at the top.

"It 's a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation"

(H. Melville, Moby Dick)

Monte Pollino the canyon southwest

It was not long ago that I climbed Mount Pollino. Monte Pollino, for its characteristic shape of a "cake" lends itself to not go up very long but quite challenging. Two years ago I tried to climb the steep canyon north-east, but failing to reach the top.

Now the intention is to go up instead on the south-west gully, steep but more " affordable "route already known to some hikers CAI The day promised good weather and did not want to miss the opportunity of a trip on a busy street never done before. Years ago, the canyon southwest triggered an avalanche that swept through the beech trees. Today, the wound is heal and the signs of that event can be recognized even in the trunks and uprooted the small beech trees that now grow back slowly. Arriving in Gaudolino point immediately in the direction of the canyon, following its line of avalanche, with the first objective to reach the first loricati majestic overlooking the woods. The climb is tiring trudge to the wooded slopes and almost gives a slight sense of anxiety. I put the shoe, snapping up the heel, system devised to climb the steep slopes. The snow is quite high in the forest, dry and powdery. Every so often helps me to pull myself up clinging to the small beech trees. I can not wait to get out of the woods where you can sit in front of the wild pines clinging to the cliffs.

finally go out in the middle of the canyon. Here the snow is hard and compact, but there seems no trace of glass, which makes it unnecessary crampons that I have in the backpack. Start the climb continued use of snowshoes. Now I have to be very careful not to slip that is not to lose any object or tool (eg, ax) along the slope. Going to retrieve the objects that I would slip down back to square one. I am surrounded by images of wild grandeur: the rocky cliffs along the canyon to the right and left, dominated by loricati almost inaccessible. Snowshoes are made now are bulky and I have to remove. Digging with the shovel a "step to stop" place for backpack and camera and to take away the rackets. Liberatomi snowshoes from start to rise, creating steps with the toe of the boot. The snow is compact and can keep me clinging to the slope, use the ax now mo 'for taproot, now resting and relaxing their fists, with his hand near the beak penetrates into the snow. In order not to fatigue in these cases is appropriate, as experts say climbing, move the pelvis backward, using the tips of the boot and setting the progression as if they ascended up a ladder.

When the calves are too should be encouraged to stay in the "rest", placing the foot heel. Some knowledge of technical climbing for the simple hiker does not hurt and can be monitored in their trips ... I might take it more comfortably, but I have a damn hurry on time even if they are not I be more patient. Perhaps the concern is a disposition of mind typical of those who go in search of mountain wilderness. Perhaps serenity and inner peace does not really lead ever the men of the mountains ...
however I find the time to contemplate and photograph loricati pine trees illuminated by the clear light of day. The next target are the rocks immediately above. My idea is that there is so much more to go, but then I realize I'm already reached the west ridge of the beautiful line, just below the summit. I arrived here the playback sound of the wind, strong enough. I put my jacket and continued to climb the ridge to reach the summit. The snow is shaped by the wind and the lines seem to draw an abstract work.

I sit on the pylon that indicates the top and use my frugal breakfast. And then they begin to fall. Is it just me and the mountain today, a mountain surrounded by "white silence". Going down the south ridge, the rocks slide and slam the left knee on the hard stone literally see "the stars" ... luckily it's nothing serious and excruciating pain does not last long.
At the top of the cliffs above the entrance of the path that will lead me Gaudolino are perched two ravens, which are projected on silouetthe clear the distant mountains, illuminated by the light of the afternoon and then saw me bring you away. He took the classic path
I just have to go back to Colle Impiso, and directs them to walk to the place where I left my car just after Visitone ...