Conn - Val da Cafegns

Since the dogs are very tired from the last three days of walking, we decide to keep today's daily stage short and take more breaks than usual. At 8.45 a.m. we start walking at Camping Flims, pass Lake Cauma and an hour later we are back on the Way of St. James. After a short ascent there is a partly steep descent into Val da Mulin, first on a very narrow forest path, then on a forest road. We also share this route with mountain bikers. After crossing the valley we hike uphill towards Laax. The path leads us along a stream, which we cross over a bridge a little later. At this point, barren rock walls rise up into the air. We continue up through the forest until we reach a clearing. Here, several benches stand next to each other and invite us to take a longer break. Like yesterday, the weather is again very humid and it is oppressively hot. Also the dogs are glad not to have to run for a moment and lie down happily in the shade. We eat a few snacks and enjoy the beautiful view of Sagogn and Ilanz.

Afterwards a narrow path takes us further up the forest until we reach Laax half an hour later. In the restaurant Romana we eat a fine mixed salad and drink something cold. During this time Gypsie and Mia sleep peacefully under the table. On the other side of the road there is a Volg, where we can stock up our snacks.

After shopping, we walk through the village, pass the Laxersee lake and hike further uphill again through the forest until we reach a wide gravel road. Gradually it becomes flatter and we walk comfortably on a high altitude path over pastures and meadows with changing, wonderful views to Falera. For the last 1.5 km we are on the interesting Planetary Trail, an astronomical nature trail about our solar system. At the big village fountain we give ourselves and the dogs a break again and buy an ice cream in the Volg right next door. With its patrician houses, the quiet and sunny Falera has retained the charm of a Graubünden mountain village. Thanks to its height, it offers an unobstructed and unique view over the Rhine valley as far as Chur. One hour later we continue our way. A forest road leads us over lush meadows in an easy but continuous ascent through the forest and we reach the Val da Cafegns 45 minutes later at 5 pm. Several torrents have left a deep cut in the densely wooded slope. Here we find a large picnic area and a suitable place to sleep for tonight. Right next to the fireplace there is a fountain and a table with two benches. Not far away flows the Caurasbach.

As every day before, it starts raining later in the evening, so we have to retreat into the tent. For a short time we listen to the rain and then fall asleep tired and full of new impressions.

Today we hiked 14.6 km with about 1'260 meters altitude difference. For the dogs it was certainly good that we started the day's stage a little more quietly. They took full advantage of every break to rest and gather strength for tomorrow's stage.