(An analog adventure)

In the summer of 2010 we made plan to hike in ‘greatest and wildest natural mountain park of Western Europe’.

By train arriving in Milano end of August 2010, the two of us checked in at Hotel Berna and had one day to explore the city.

The third day a train took us to Premosello, and we hitch-hiked to Colloro. From there we walked to camp at alm of Chapella Madonna di Lut.

There the sole of one shoe turned out to be completely broken. We had to return and then take train to Domodossola to buy new shoes. Next attempt started in Mergozzo and we walked via Bracchio, towards Vercio with Sanctuaria Di Madonna de Grazio (camp). A lady very early in the morning sang for hours.

From there a long walk in beautiful mountain area and forest followed. On the way we passed many abandoned houses, alone on itself or in small group.

Our path continued via Cortecca to Alpa Ompio, from there north to Alpe Basseno then down to bridge “Ponte di Velina” crossing ravine with river, and further north to Velina and Baserga. A sign indicated that in 1944 partisans escaped from nazis with 50 prisoners at an enduring trek through these mountains.

Route went further N. East to Baserga (signs indicating risky passage), Alpe Vota, Montazzo, a overgrown abandoned hamlock. The path became stairs and had steep crossings of rivulets.

Along the way we did encounter several abandoned houses in the woods.

At sundown and over 14 hours on the way we arrived at Corte de Merino, where we could set up the tent and have simple dinner.

In the morning the trail went to Cicogna, then followed sentiero Struttenheim (1891) towards Pogallo, where we had camp along the Rio Pogallo.

Return was to Cigogna with several steep mountain clefts.

 
 Then we went all the paved way to Rovegro (no hitch hike available), a village that looked like poverty ruled. There old roman way did lead us to Cossogno, after passing the “Ponte Romano di Cossogno e Cascate”.

In this village citizens allowed us to camp on small terrace of the Campo de Sport for our last night in the mountains…

From Cossogno we hiked to Verbania where we took ferry across the Lago Maggiore to Baveno and boarded train to Milano.

Photos by Drager Meurtant 2010, analog film, taken with Chinon compact camera and Fuji film