Micro Blog

Sorry been out of touch my fellow federation members. Had a bit of a rough week. Energy crashed after finishing my 12 day trek through the Italian Dolomites. At the same time a minute grass spike that had been lodged in my thumb for a month decided to become infected. Very painful and still unable to use my right hand. To cap it all the journey back home to Spain was long, drawn out and frustrating, thanks Ryanair! Slowly getting my mojo back though.

2/2 What a blast it has been. Apart from the dramatic scenery we have met some interesting people, stayed in incredible places & eaten great food. We are already thinking of coming back & using some refuges as a base for via ferrata.

Thanks to @khusky for being the ultimate hiking buddy.

Now for two days relaxation & sightseeing before our return to Spain.

Here's a, totally unrelated, short video of an adorable cat we encountered at a refuge coffee stop this morning.

1/2 Today we finished our trek through the Italian Dolomites and hiked out to the town of Fiera di Primiero.

First week on the Alta Via 2 and the second making our own way on deserted trails, over narrow passes and alpine pastures.

My watch tells me we have covered 130 kilometres with over 7000 metres of ascent/descent. No wonder the old legs are showing signs of accumulated fatigue.

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 10

Local hike near Sagron today as heavy rain around. We did a 7km loop to the Val delle Moneghe. A marvellous viewpoint and a winter ice climbing playground. Then on up through the forest to the refuge of the same name.

Some great lighting early on through the forest sections as seen on the images below

After 10 days we finally had to put on our 20€ ponchos 🤣

Have to say though they worked fine. Backpack and ourselves remained dry and comfortable. Good job we were going downhill though as would be a sweat trap heading up. After an umbrella maybe the ultimate rain garment?

With @khusky

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 9

Today we clocked over the 100km accumulated mark as we made our way to Passo Cereda.

A quick stop there and then it was on another 4km to a little gem of a hotel we found. Yes, no refuge for us tonight, a bit of a treat. Hotel Giasenei in the tiny hamlet of Sagron, situated on a raised alpine meadow surrounded by stunning peaks. Just glorious.

Here for two nights as bad weather coming in. Just local hike tomorrow.

One of the nice things about long distance trails like the one we are on at present is the people from all walks of life and countries that you meet along the way. The common denominator for all is the trail itself and it unites.

Each night we talk about the days adventures and discuss plans for the day to come. An eye is also kept out for them at the next refuge.They become trail mates and a certain camaraderie develops.

Here's a few images from yesterday

Wouldn't everybody love to live in a house like this?

Continuing our journey we headed SE from San Martino passing through mature forests & stunning alpine meadows. A few hours later we emerged at the Forcella Col dei Cistri & the magnificent peaks of the Val Canali appeared ahead. Our next challenge.

If the weather allows we head up the Val Canali valley tomorrow morning to do the "Ferrata de Canalone" just above the Rifugio Treviso.

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 7

Italian Meteo had multiple alerts out over the next few days for rain and thunderstorms. We made the decision to take a lower variant of the AV2 that skirted the west side of Pale di San Martino massif.

This 11km trail led us down through beautiful alpine meadows & over rolling hills to Passo Rolle. There we caught local bus to the chic alpine resort of San Martino di Castrozza.

Tomorrow depends again on the weather.

Its a tough life in the mountains, especially on a long distance trek like the Italian Alta Via 2. But tonight I must be honest. We are staying at the lovely Hotel/Rifugio Capanna Passo Valles where we are indulging in such local luxuries as Aperol Spritz, Apfel Strudel and flavoured grappas.

Making the most of it as tomorrow we head back up to the more basic mountain refuges for 3 nights

Chucking it down at Passo Valles. Storms. Not a time to be playing about on iron cables and ladders! Staying here and hoping things clear up tomorrow

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 6

Passo San Pellegrino to Passo Valles

Short rest day today so a lie in, leisurely breakfast & a 6km stroll to our overnight refuge. Just arrived at midday when the heavens opened & an incredible rain and hail storm erupted. What luck we had not been caught out.

Now tucking into "gnocchi con ricotta affumicata" (delicate potato dumplings with smoked cheese)

Photos from our approach walk to the Pale di San Martino range

All during the long afternoon descent from the pass at Forca Rossa these jagged mountains were in view. They are our next challenge to cross. Much more technical evidently. They look it!

5 days on the trot are beginning to tell. Thankfully as we are near the half way point we have built in 2 half days for the next section to the Rifugio Mulaz.

Looking forward to a short break to let the legs and lungs recover.

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 5

Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada to Passo San Pellegrino. 14km, 1000+m ascent.

Very tough day ascending through the humid, oppressive pine forests near Malga to the pass at Forca Rossa. Then nice descent through colourful alpine meadows lined with wild flowers to San Pellegrino.

I'm finding the bedroom via ferratas much more dangerous and exposed than the mountain ones 🤣

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 4

Rifugio Pisciadu - Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

Threat of afternoon thunderstorms had us leaving refuge early at 6am. Had these glorious mountains to ourselves as we climbed steep snowfields & scrambled along cable assisted passages. We crossed over the alti plano, lunar landscape of the Sella Group to drop down to the busy road pass at Passo Pordoi and onto our overnight stay at the base of the magnificent Marmolada.

Some photos taken by a friend from today's trip between the Rifugio Puez and the Rifugio Pisciadu on the Alta Via 2

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 3

Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadu

Another tough day of startling contrasts. From the beautiful early morning departure and excellent traverse to the dramatic Cir pinnacles to the crowded mass of noisy humanity at Passo Gardena.

The final 450m climb up the gully (Val Setus) to the refuge was as expected, very gnarly with cables assisting uplift in the upper section. Stunning scenery though.

Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 2

Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez today. An exciting and interesting day travelling 11 km with 900 m ascent/descent. Up and over steep passes, stunning views and the added interest of mid morning coffee stop in a beautifully situated refuge and an optional via ferrata along the route, that we loved.

Wild flowers galore, chirping marmots, dramatic scenery. A tough day certainly but extremely rewarding.