Today was the last day of our trek. I was partly sorry for it to end because it has been fantastic, but also partly glad because I’m tired and ready to relax. I’m glad I don’t have to pick up my heavy rucksack for a while! It was another wonderful hike… more beautiful and interesting... Continue Reading →
AV1 day 5: Rifugio Passo Duran to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
What a great day’s walking! Very long and the second half was very difficult but it was just stunning! Our best day so far, with our biggest ascent (1200 metres) and just as much descent. It was a beautiful morning and we set off very early to try and get as much of the hike... Continue Reading →
AV1 day 3: Rifugio Passo Staulanza to Rifugio Tissi
We had a shorter day today... just 11.6 kilometres... although the ascent was still almost 1000 metres. It's been very warm but we set off early so I coped ok with most of the climbs. We left the Rifugio and followed the road before joining a forest track up to a farm. We then joined... Continue Reading →
AV1 day 2: Rifugio Averau to Rifugio Passi Staulanza
My prayers for good weather were answered and today has been sunny but not hot. After too good a meal last night, we woke with slight hangovers, had breakfast with plenty of fluids and set off. It was immediately uphill to Rifugio Nuvolau (2575 metres) perched high on a rocky outcrop, with 360 degree views.... Continue Reading →
AV1 day 4: Rifugio Tissi to Rifugio Passo Duran
The German girls’ alarm went off at 6 o’clock and John kindly leapt off his top bunk to go to the bathroom and leave the three of us to get dressed. We’d had breakfast and were ready to leave by 7.10. I had to have a go on the swing and have a photo at... Continue Reading →
AV1 day 1: to Rifugio Averau
Poshest refuge ever! We have a family room with an en suite bathroom. It even has a bidet... not that we'll use that! It has been a long day to get here though, with a few trials. Today is our first day trekking on Alta Via 1 (AV1), a long distance hiking trail in Italy.... Continue Reading →
Valle del Mis
We've stayed in Valle del Mis for two nights to prepare for our 7-day trek through the Dolomites on Alta Via 1, a long distance hike. The journey here was about 3 hours but felt longer. Lots of Italian drivers either seem incredibly slow and cautious.. even holding us up in Bertie... or completely mad...... Continue Reading →
Bike ride to Lago di Braies
We had a relatively lazy start today because it’s our last day on the campsite and we wanted to get the washing done. It’s been really sunny so we’ve managed to get two loads washed and dried, ready for our 7-day trek. We haven’t done nothing though. While I wrote the blog for yesterday, John... Continue Reading →
Tunnels and trenches on Monte Piana/Piano
Today’s walk has been fascinating, exploring tunnels and trenches on a mountain where the Austrians and Italians fought in World War 1. The northerly point, called Monte Piano, was an Austrian stronghold, linked by steep paths exposed to enemy fire, and a mechanised cableway to Lago di Landro in the valley. The southerly point, called... Continue Reading →
Lago di Sorapiss
We have seen the most beautiful lake today. Lago di Sorapiss has milky turquoise blue water because of the powder suspended in it from the shrinking glaciers on Punta Sorapiss, which towers behind it. We had an early start, leaving the campsite at about 7.15 to make sure we got a parking space and beat... Continue Reading →