We visited a fine Alpine botanical garden on the short day 19 to Rifugio Willy Jervis named after a climber / resistance-fighter killed by firing squad in 1944. In the broad U-shaped Conca del Pra valley there were plenty of animals on the summer farms. Day 20 began on a well paved old mule track passing the striking Cascata del Pis, traversing the dying hamlet of Villanova and then climbing steeply past herds of sheep and goats guarded by patou dogs and shepherds. In Bergerie Giulian a couple had moved in for the summer months and were making cheese. Near the small ski resort of Ghigo in Valle Germanasca we saw farming practices from a bygone age before traversing a number of attractive settlements with views to a disused talc mine on the hills above. Exceptionally windy conditions accompanied our long climb on day 22 but the forecast storm did not arrive so we could enjoy waterfalls, carpets of flowers, old military buildings and, on the descent, a wonderful set of carved trees. From the delightful Usseaux we climbed to another ridge passing memorials to an 18th century French - Italian conflict before arriving at our refuge high above the Susa valley where we were invited to join Italian celebrations for a 30th birthday. Day 24 to Susa was our longest and lowest level to date. It was even less walked and often hard to find but very enjoyable, passing above a Vauban fort and traversing a number of pleasant villages all to the sound of the motorway and controversial train line. Vines indicated Susa was nearby!
To see the photos for week 4 click here

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