Finding the path to Corno Branchino
The choice to activate the Corno Branchino stems from the fact that in the 2017 edition of the Prealpi Orobiche Sky marathon I served as a radio support for ARI Bergamo from the homonymous mountain pass located below the summit.
Fascinated by this place I wanted to wait for the winter season to see the same places in a different season.
On the way out...
The weather conditions for the day of January 20 proved to be excellent to attempt activation.
I involved my friend IU2EBM in this activation and we begin the walk starting from the Roncobello side. The road, unfortunately, in this season is closed to the Church of Capovalle so we had to travel a further 2.5 km by foot, before reaching the hairpin bend number 9 from which starts the path for Branchino summit.
The snow is still untouched and we proceed along the way opening the path with snowshoes.
Arrived at the Branchino pass we wearing the crampons and proceed laboriously towards the summit because of strong gusts of wind that begin to invest us as soon as we begin the climb.
The weather conditions are perfect but on the summit the wind is still very strong. We prefer to lower ourselves a few meters and look for a safer area to be able to mount the equipment.
The situation is still difficult due to wind, we raise the telescopic pole but we not find a suitable support so will be IU2EBM to make up for the "load-bearing function".
After connecting the antenna I turn on the radio and immediately I start working the first contacts.
Italy, Ukraine, Greece, Russia ... everything works very well but while the soul are warming our internal temperature begins to suffer the position of stall and the wind does not give us respite.
We decide to dismount the equipment before the time and begin to go down.
A short stop to step for a sandwich and then again on the return path. A special thanks goes to our friends Norberto IK2THS and Michele IU2GLR who supported us in 2 meters during the activation.
Conclusion
Beatiful day in a nutshell. See you at the next activation!
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