Swiss Via Alpina Day 4: Meiringen to Griesalp

Start: 10:59pm

End: 5:20pm

Miles: 42.4 (165.8 down, ~87.6 to go) (strava track)

Elevation gain: 14,698 ft

Elevation loss: 11,906 ft

Passes: 6, 7, & 8 of 14 - Grosse Scheidegg, Kleine Scheidegg, Sefinenfurgge

I tried to sleep for the precious 2-3 hours I had, but could only manage to doze for about 30 minutes. I felt stressed about whether I’d be able to get over the final and highest pass in my plan before the afternoon storms began. If I really wanted to ensure that, I should probably start hiking again by 10pm. But it was already past 8pm and I wasn’t even asleep yet. And to make matters worse, my legs and feet felt massively inflamed and in pain. I couldn’t imagine going back out there so soon. But I also could hardly sleep. So finally I got out of bed and started getting ready for the day and was hiking by 11pm. Compromise!🤪

My legs felt alright once I got moving, and it seemed that resting a few hours had helped, despite not sleeping much. Whether I’d given myself enough time to make it over the pass was a bit of a gamble. Thankfully the weather forecast kept trending toward storms being later and later in the day. I had already hiked 26 of the 42 miles I needed by 9am. It was going to be okay!

No longer as stressed for time, I stopped for a few rests throughout the day for the sake of my feet and to make sure I was eating and drinking enough. The final pass was the highest yet at over 8,000ft and the most technical so far.

Today my goal is to cover about 30 miles including the highest and most challenging pass Hohtürli (9,114 ft) followed by Bunderchrinde (7,825 ft) and Hahnenmoos (6,400 ft). Then get a good rest and send it for the last ~55 miles if I can.

I’m about half a day ahead of my past self. Getting over that final pass yesterday was critical for staying on track. It was a tough and critical day and I feel proud of myself for making it!

💫

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More from the trail soon! ~Liz (Mercury)