1. Here we are again on the Alta Via del Sale but on its western part.
 

 
 
2. …
 

 
 
3. The Marguerie fortress where we spend the next night.
 

 
 
4. I go exploring part of it but don’t stay long because it’s really falling into ruin..
 

 
 
5. An early morning visitor to our camp.
 

 
 
6. As we begin our journey toward North, we go discover Monviso, the main Italian peak in the Southern Alps. A view from Pian de Rey. The afternoon convection partially hides the summit.
 

 
 
7. Further down, a small waterfall not far from our camp.
 

 
 
8. View on the valley.
 

 
 
9. Then we head back up towards Bardonecchia to explore the Passo de la Mulatiera region. A narrow trail takes us to an altitude of 6,000 feet. Then we continue on foot to the pass.
 

 
 
10. The large scree slope that lies beneath the Mulatiera fortress ruins. We look at a fearless marmot less than 15 feet away.
 

 
 
11. The next day, we park at the Col de l’Echelle and set off on a hike towards the Col des Thures. After a quite steep climb, we discover the Vallon des Thures and the small mountain pasture of the same name.
 

 
 
12. Arrival at the superb Chavillon lake with Mount Thabor in the background.
 

 
 
13. I vary the compositions.
 

 
 
14. …
 

 
 
15. Return path through the screes.
 

 
 
16. Last look at the valley.
 

 
 
17. Above the Col de l’Echelle.
 

 
 
18. Our camp under Mount Jafferau, a spot where we already spent the night three years ago.
 

 
 
The rest of our journey will take us through Mont Cenis, Isère, and the Savoie region. We’ll show you that soon! 😉