Dolomites

10-2-2007. Wait a second, is this still Italy? Ask anyone here, and the answer is no. Tyrol all the way. Should have brought the German phrasebook. This place is a winner, removed from the hustle-bustle we've experienced so far (apart from the drive through Bolzano, craziness). The nightlife here is for the cows. Cuisine is decidedly Austrian - dumplings (three days in a row), salads full of marinted beans and cabbage, the richest porchini pasta dishes ever, and strudel. Mmmmm.

Our day started with a bus up to the gorgeous meadows of the Alp de Suise. Screw California, happy cows come from here. And the milk and cream and cheese proves it all.

Time for a day hike, and what a day it turned out to be. We decided on a quick lift ride to pass a few folks walking up, then headed up towards Rifugio Bolzano. Rifugios are semi-rustic huts scattered throughout the Dolomites, dinner and breakfast included. Too bad we weren't out for the night. A quick side trip to the top of Mt Pez gave us a 360 view of the Valley and the Northern Dolomites.

With still some time in the day, and a somewhat ill conceived (free) hiking map that made short sections look long and long sections look short, we took off accross the ridge to make it a loop. It turned out to be a long day of walking with lots of ups and downs and very exposed sections, but we kept our spirits with the help of the views.

After a while, we came upon Rifugio Alpe de Tieres, perfectly situated on a high pass. We wish we could have stayed, but instead had to make the long walk down. If only we could get back up here for a night... Turned out to be some 20+ kilometers and 1500 meters of elevation gain, but it was worth it.