After our long day’s climbing on Cima Grande the previous day, we felt an easy day was in order for Day Seven! Rising later than usual, I climbed out my of tent into a cauldron of cloud. Not fancying cooking oats porridge (our staple breakfast, served with berries and yoghurt… yum!), in the wet, I …
Day six: Cima Grande – via Normale
Frog writes from the participant’s point of view: Our intrepid three set off very early from Camping Rochetta to drive to Rifugio Auronzo below the Tre Cima di Lavaredo. Post breakfast [and with a few extra bread rolls purloined from the breakfast table] Harry and Frog peel off to do the original route [opening ascent …
Day five: Via ferrata Marino Bianchi
Pigmy writes: Having been snowed and rained off the Sorapiss Circuit on the Thursday, Duracell (aka Harry) suggested we do a Via Ferrata on the peak adjacent to Monte Cristallo. He said there was only about a hundred metres or so of climbing – right up my street given my athletic state. There is a …
Day three and four: Lago Sorapiss
No visit to the Dolomites can ever be complete without a visit to the most amazing piece of water I’ve ever seen! Oh, and not to forget the hospitality of my two good friends, Sabrina and Emilio, the ‘gestiore’ (hosts) at Rifugio Vandelli. Our trail started at Passo Tre Croci and wound its way through …
Day two: Lagazuoi war tunnels
If ever one feels the need to be reminded of the stupidity of mankind, then the Via Ferrata that runs through the tunnels dug into Monte Lagazuoi would be a good place to start. Miles of tunnels dug by Austrian soldiers to gain vantage points high on the mountainside, from where they were able to …
Day one: Via ferrata Averau
Sunday morning. It’s Pigmy’s first taste of Dolomites rock, so we head for Averau (2647m). The route to the summit is an excellent start to any climbing trip. Easy Via Ferrata; chance to get used to the feel of the rock, get your legs stretched and be rewarded with stupendous views when you reach the …
Friday… Flying… Frenetic!
Friday! We’re all departing from different ports today, due to meet in Venice tomorrow morning. Everything ready. All I need to do is put the last few bits in the bag, then head for the train station. It’s 15.55… the train leaves in less than 10 minutes! and, I’m stuck in a traffic jam! I’m …
Nearly there
Saturday 16 July, the day on which our Dolomites adventure starts, is creeping ever closer. Ropes, Karabiners, and the rest of the gear is ready and sorted. Tents checked, wet weather gear and clothing washed. Almost packed; just the last few items to throw into the bag on Friday. Then it’s off to Gatwick airport …