Gardetta Plateau loop from Canosio

Ascent by road from the previous campsite to Ponte Marmora (944m). Ascent on asphalt in good condition but very hard on the ramps in several sections up to Col de Preit (2083m). Here we take a very hard track for the first few meters with loose stones and then a softer one up to Rifugio Gardetta (2335m). We are in the Maira valley, an alpine valley, which in prehistoric times was completely submerged by the sea, extends for about 45 km in the shadow of the Cottian Alps, nestled between the Po valley, the Varaita valley , the valley of Stura and the valley of Grana. Its isolation has allowed it to preserve a pristine, silent environment, including the preservation of the Occitan language and culture. It is known as Little Peru ('Little Peru') for its similarity with the mountain ranges of that country and without a doubt it was one of the most beautiful stages that we experienced in these parts. We continue along Strada militare de la Gardetta passing Colle Margherina (2408m) to Colle Valcavera (2416m) and some others, changing views that are always spectacular. From Valcavera we take a tiny and very old road to Colle Fauniera (2481m) (another spectacular section) where the monument to Marco Pantani is. We quickly descend to Colle Esische (2365m) and continue down a very bad road to Marmora and then to the start of the route.

...and nothing when a couple of old friends ask you to accompany them on the plateau and you're at the third time in the space of just over a month and you think that perhaps this could be the one that makes you tired of the place... But no ! Once again full of wonder and beauty! Incredible place. See you next year😀