My challenge 2017: Jura Crest Trail, stage 2/15, Brugg – Staffelegg

I was telling you about 2 days ago from my first step in the path of the ridges of the Jura, my challenge 2017. 

And I told you that in view of the State of my feet at the end of this step, need me a few days of recovery before continuing. But, in view of the weather announced this Monday, February 27, and also because – I’ll be much more busy these days, I could not hold me and got me started in the morning for step 2.

First to buy what (attempt to) overcome my enemy of the moment: my feet. Following my journey the day before yesterday, wicked remnants of bulbs make me suffer. I’m team so hiking socks worthy of this name, and Compeed to implement preventive action. I am also looking cream called “anti friction”, without success. But I must say that I made this shopping in Aarau, and that my mastery of the Swiss German has not helped matters.

A program of the day a short stage: Brugg – Staffelegg, 16 km, 640 m + D, 4 h 45 depending on touring Switzerland. This is what decided me: step is described as easy for the distance, and average for the physical demands. Even handicapped by my feet, that should do it.

After the shopping interlude, I head instead of arrival to drop off my car: Staffelegg, a col between Aarau and Frick, to… 621 m. There is free parking at 650 meters from the pass, well signposted. The hostel of the pass is closed Monday (and of course, I did a Monday..). I take then the postal bus, then the train to join Brugg. There are several possible routes, but I suggest the bus to Aarau, then the train: this course has the merit to us through the old town of Aarau.

Arrived at Brugg, I see that North Brugg is much prettier than South Brugg. In other words, the famous beer I wanted to give myself to the arrival of step 1, I could have very easily afford it to Brugg North, while I did cross southern Bistro in Brugg. In short…

Starting around noon, with the short crossing of the old town of Brugg. We directly attacks one of the steepest climbs of the stage, to take the high ground and dominate the city. Then you go along, flat, Valley overlooking it, which allows some beautiful views.

From the outset, I adapt the pace to my physical condition: I’m going very slowly. Besides many hikers, children, pensioners, dog walkers will exceed me. “Grüetzi!”. But I assume. 

The ride then crosses an own residential suburb in order, where each owner competes ingenuity for the development of their front gardens. It’s like a box of demo for Hornbach, actually. But, at the very least, it’s peaceful.

After leaving residential areas, continues in the countryside hilly Aargau, but always fairly close to busy roads: the landscape is beautiful, but we’re not yet in nature.

I feel my feet. We can’t talk about pain, but it’s enough to remember the State of my feet at the end of stage two days before…

He will have to wait 2 hours to reach the legendary old lime tree of Linn, place of pilgrimage and meet any hiker who respects himself, obviously. But indeed, this lime is the most beautiful effect:

This lime also marks the half of the stage. It’s beginning of the longest climb, but it is also, finally, a route that departs from villages and roads. 

And after the fateful 2 hours chrono, I start to be able to talk about pain in the feet. But today, I decided to show them who was in charge. They have that to keep out of trouble, I won’t listen them.

A climb on a paved road, then on a forest road, and finally on trails in the forest. But most of the route will be done on forest roads.

The following 2 hours will be on a course of forests and campaign easy and undulating, with from time to time great views over the plain. I agree with the finish of the stage, Staffelegg, in 5 hours, or a little more than Switzerland Rando estimate: I really went very slowly.

The last half hour, downhill, was difficult: feet and legs made me suffer, “a measure that exceeds the reasonable” for my feet. But in fact the step 1 damage that worsened, mainly.

And the satisfaction of completing this step compensates this annoyance. End of February, 2/15th my challenge made 2017.

For step 3, we need to wait a few weeks. But the goal, it is March.