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Scrambling day on the rocky peak of Peñon de la Mata north of Granada

A person with red helmet looks up at the camera whilst others make their way up to him. They are climbing a rocky hillside
A person with red helmet looks up at the camera whilst others make their way up to him. They are climbing a rocky hillside
A person in blue stands on a small peak with vast olive fields below
A person in blue stands on a small peak with vast olive fields below
A person with red helmet looks up at the camera whilst others make their way up to him. They are climbing a rocky hillside
A person with red helmet looks up at the camera whilst others make their way up to him. They are climbing a rocky hillside

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A day scrambling on the wonderful peak of Peñon de la Mata north of Granada. The summit is surrounded by cliffs with only one hiking route to the top. Lots of possibilities for exploration.

I love scrambling, that grey area between hiking and rock climbing. Constant concentration and risk assessment means you aren't thinking at all about the mortgage 😂

4 people with helmets on stand at the top of a grey rocky mountain
4 people with helmets on stand at the top of a grey rocky mountain
2 people scramble up some easy angled grey rock slabs. Some spectacular mountains in the background
2 people scramble up some easy angled grey rock slabs. Some spectacular mountains in the background
A person in light blue edges around a narrow ledge above a big drop
A person in light blue edges around a narrow ledge above a big drop
Some helmeted climbers make their way up a ridge
Some helmeted climbers make their way up a ridge

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Beautiful evening sunset tonight

Beautiful evening sunset tonight over a town in southern Spain
Beautiful evening sunset tonight over a town in southern Spain

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Good morning from a bright and sunny Lanjaron. Hope you all have a great week

Some cliffs are highlighted in the morning sun. Below are the white rooftops of a Spanish town
Some cliffs are highlighted in the morning sun. Below are the white rooftops of a Spanish town

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The first overnight rains for a few months last night. I love the freshness after autumn rains. Cloudy today but a break in the clouds allowing the sun to shine down on the town of Lanjaron in the Alpujarras.

Have a great weekend all.

Sun shining on a small Spanish town. Cloudy all around
Sun shining on a small Spanish town. Cloudy all around
Sun shining on a small Spanish town. Cloudy all around
Sun shining on a small Spanish town. Cloudy all around

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River walking with a lovely group of people from Norway today. Inside the dense, lush foliage the air was cool, was even colder in the waterfall! 😂

A classic hike for a hot Spanish day

The video shows a group passing along a narrow river, wading through lakes and climbing rocks

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Cerro Huenes is in the Cumbres Verdes range W of the Sierra Nevada. Start is 15 mins drive from the Granada ring road. Pleasant hiking on good trails over numerous mountains, returning through forested hillsides.

Path ascends to Pico de la Carne 1809m. Hillsides are steep, path well-graded & the summit is reached via a short easy scramble right of the summit rocks. Path continues to Cerro Gordo 1809m & reigning peak Cerro Huenes 1882m.

Hikers path along a narrow arid trail. Ahead lies Collado Sevilla where this route starts and finishes
Hikers path along a narrow arid trail. Ahead lies Collado Sevilla where this route starts and finishes
Looking out from the summit of Cerro Huenes towards the summits of Cerro Gordo and Pico de la Carne. Behind are the high Sierra Nevada
Looking out from the summit of Cerro Huenes towards the summits of Cerro Gordo and Pico de la Carne. Behind are the high Sierra Nevada
3 hikers silhouetted on the ridge leading to Pico de la Carne. Dark threatening clouds above
3 hikers silhouetted on the ridge leading to Pico de la Carne. Dark threatening clouds above
Ascending to Pico de la Carne there is a good view of the stunning peak of Trevenque across the valley of the Arroyo de Huenes
Ascending to Pico de la Carne there is a good view of the stunning peak of Trevenque across the valley of the Arroyo de Huenes

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Moonset this morning above Lanjaron

Early morning and the moon sets above a small Spanish town
Early morning and the moon sets above a small Spanish town

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Its Facebook Leaving Day! 🎉 🥳
Haven't been that involved for many years but have had to keep a presence for corporate reasons. No longer!

I had been using web browsers to view/post as I refused to install their app on any device. What finally broke my resilience was the fact in the last few days they made the web browser route unusable for me. Deliberately IMO. I guess to force the app on me?

Feels good. Have a great day everyone.


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Just an incredible amount of snowfall throughout central Europe. This report from Austria. Unprecedented levels of snowfall for September.

planetski.eu/2024/09/15/austri


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Last week I sat for nearly an hour on the very airy summit of a peak called Puntal de la Cornisa 3316m. A fine viewpoint & wonderful place to chill out

It's good to have some time on your own once in a while. Also gives you time to really look around and appreciate the surrounding mountain landscapes. Here are a few images I took from the summit (descriptions on individual photos).

Looking across to Veleta and Puntal de la caldera. In the shadowed valley the Laguna de la Mosca
Looking across to Veleta and Puntal de la caldera. In the shadowed valley the Laguna de la Mosca
The NE ridge of Mulhacen from the Collado de Siete Lagunas highlighted in the morning sun.
The NE ridge of Mulhacen from the Collado de Siete Lagunas highlighted in the morning sun.
Looking over the Peñon del Globo to the Sierra de Gador
Looking over the Peñon del Globo to the Sierra de Gador
Puntal de la Caldera and the ridge to Cerro los Machos and Veleta. In the far distance on the left is the Collado de Carihuela. The refuge can just be seen
Puntal de la Caldera and the ridge to Cerro los Machos and Veleta. In the far distance on the left is the Collado de Carihuela. The refuge can just be seen

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Bit sad this morning as we have decided to cancel next weeks Via Ferrata trip to the Italian Dolomites. So many reports from people about the bad weather and early season snow. Freezing my butt off and carrying winter equipment wasn't in my mind when I booked this.

Que Sera, Sera. It is what it is. Gives me something to look forward to next July.


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Remembering my Leonberger, Bruno. A big dog with a big heart. 75 kilos of friendly, fun filled dog and in his element in the snow. Famous too, once appeared on BBC Children's TV.


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We don't ever regret utilising and repurposing the swimming pool as a greenhouse. I'm not much of a water baby and swimming pools take a lot of maintenance. How much better to use that water to grow fresh produce. Satisfying.

A greenhouse stands in an old swimming pool
A greenhouse stands in an old swimming pool
A huge tomato hanging on the vine
A huge tomato hanging on the vine

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Bit warm to be walking below 2000 meters but the cool breeze and forest foliage helped. Yesterday we did a walk in the Sierra de Huetor, combining the Cañada del Senero with an off piste ascent of Cerro del Corza 1606m.

My first visit to Cerro del Corza. It's a wonderful viewpoint for not only the Sierra Nevada, but also the Majaliar and Peñon de la Mata peaks.

Cold beers back in los Faroles, Lanjaron were most welcome

A bright blue sky with a few clouds overlooks a small group of hikers and some lone trees
A bright blue sky with a few clouds overlooks a small group of hikers and some lone trees
5 hikers approach a rocky peak known as "El Pulpito"
5 hikers approach a rocky peak known as "El Pulpito"
At the fire lookout post of top of Cerro del Corza in Spains Sierra de Huetor range
At the fire lookout post of top of Cerro del Corza in Spains Sierra de Huetor range
Hikers pass along a wide forest trail
Hikers pass along a wide forest trail

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Lots of very happy and colorful people enjoying the great outdoors! A good turnout from our weekly walking group yesterday.

Lots of very happy and colorful hikers enjoying the great outdoors!
Lots of very happy and colorful hikers enjoying the great outdoors!

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Views from the morning dog walk. Have a great week y'all. Lanjaron, Alpujarras.

The Rio Lanjaron valley heading up towards the Sierra Nevada. On the left on sunlit slopes the outskirts of the town of Lanjaron
The Rio Lanjaron valley heading up towards the Sierra Nevada. On the left on sunlit slopes the outskirts of the town of Lanjaron
The cliffs of Tajos Colerao with early morning sunlight. Beyond the start of the Sierra de Almijara
The cliffs of Tajos Colerao with early morning sunlight. Beyond the start of the Sierra de Almijara
Lines of olive groves lit up in the morning sun. In the distance a reservoir and the Mediterranean sea
Lines of olive groves lit up in the morning sun. In the distance a reservoir and the Mediterranean sea

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I really enjoyed watching the KAOS TV series, a dark comedy and modern take on Greek mythology. Actually made me want to take a peek into Greek mythology as I never covered it during my educational years.


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Short (3 min) video I put together showing our 2 day backpacking hike up Alcazaba 3369m in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains.

video.infosec.exchange/w/jGoae


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Alcazaba 3369m is the 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada and yet, in my opinion, it is undoubtedly the finest.

Alcazaba, the Fortress, is well named, guarded on 3 sides by cliffs. A few days ago we started from Laguna de Borreguil & reached the Alcazaba summit plateau via a steep scree gully named "El Colaero", which brought us out at the col between Puntal de la Cornisa 3316m & Peñon del Globo 3296m. A short stroll from there to the summit.

Some of our group on the summit of Alcazaba with the vertical north west face to the left.
Some of our group on the summit of Alcazaba with the vertical north west face to the left.
Alcazaba from Puntal de la Cornisa
Alcazaba from Puntal de la Cornisa
The north ridge of Mulhacen in morning sunlight. In the distance the summit of Veleta
The north ridge of Mulhacen in morning sunlight. In the distance the summit of Veleta
Approaching the scree gully of El Colaero from the lakes at Siete Lagunas
Approaching the scree gully of El Colaero from the lakes at Siete Lagunas

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We never camp at Laguna Hondera. It's popular, noisy & frequented by hungry foxes. Head a little uphill however & there are some delectable places to bivouac (make sure you don't camp on the fragile "borreguiles", grassy areas adjacent to the lake). We found some pre prepared bivouac spots near Laguna de Borreguil where we watched the sun set & cooked evening meals.Then laid back to watch the stars & milky way pass overhead. Life is simple, but good.

Evening sunlight reflected on the summit of Peñon del Globo and also in the lake below
Evening sunlight reflected on the summit of Peñon del Globo and also in the lake below
Our camp situated below Mulhacen. highest mountain in mainland Spain. Morning sunlight hits the top of the mountain. Our camp remains in shadow as is the adjacent lake.
Our camp situated below Mulhacen. highest mountain in mainland Spain. Morning sunlight hits the top of the mountain. Our camp remains in shadow as is the adjacent lake.
A group of backpackers bivouac in small walled shelters below a rocky mountain
A group of backpackers bivouac in small walled shelters below a rocky mountain
A group of backpackers are preparing an evening meal in small walled shelters. Behind the final rays of the sun reach the mountain of Alcazaba 3269m
A group of backpackers are preparing an evening meal in small walled shelters. Behind the final rays of the sun reach the mountain of Alcazaba 3269m

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The walk into Siete Lagunas a couple of days ago involved passing two small hidden lakes, rarely visited by other humans. Laguna Prado Negro and another further north which doesn't have a name. It should, it's stunning! The wonderful wild side of the Sierra Nevada that few others get to see

A person with red jacket stands looking out at some mountain ranges
A person with red jacket stands looking out at some mountain ranges
A small lake sits hidden in a rocky wilderness. The lake is surrounded by green grassy banks
A small lake sits hidden in a rocky wilderness. The lake is surrounded by green grassy banks
Two hikers leave a small lake. Big mountain walls behind
Two hikers leave a small lake. Big mountain walls behind
Two feet in some mountain shows are seen in the foreground. Behind lies a small lake with rocky slopes beyond
Two feet in some mountain shows are seen in the foreground. Behind lies a small lake with rocky slopes beyond

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Arrival of the sun at Laguna Borreguil, Siete Lagunas in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountain range this morning

The morning sun appears over a ridge line to the left whilst a person stands on an isolated boulder on the right. Nearer the camera there is a lake rippled with wind driven wavelets. The lake had some small stepping stones
The morning sun appears over a ridge line to the left whilst a person stands on an isolated boulder on the right. Nearer the camera there is a lake rippled with wind driven wavelets. The lake had some small stepping stones

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Packing for a two day trip to climb the mighty Alcazaba (3350m) starting tomorrow. The finest peak in the Sierra Nevada. Bivouac at Laguna Altera (Siete Lagunas). Will be able to travel lightweight, no need for tent just open bivouac (groundsheet, quilt, pad) Total 4.5 kilograms (incl cooking/camera gear & normal hill pack) + about a litre of water to add.

A yellow and black 40 litre "Atom Packs" backpack with side pockets, one filled with a trekking pole.
A yellow and black 40 litre "Atom Packs" backpack with side pockets, one filled with a trekking pole.

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It's going to be one of those days. 🐱 Have a great weekend all!

A small brown and white cat sleeps with legs curled up on a chair
A small brown and white cat sleeps with legs curled up on a chair

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Nothing better on a hot summer Spanish day than home made cold Gazpacho soup containing vegetables from the garden - cucumber, tomatoes, garlic, cayenne peppers & onion. The bread was home made too. Simple but tasty.

A bowl of gazpacho soup sits next to some chunks of home made bread
A bowl of gazpacho soup sits next to some chunks of home made bread

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Definite autumnal feel to the morning dog walk. Lovely colors, especially when the first rays of the sun hit the hillsides. Cooler with a slight breeze. Maybe end of the early morning/pre sunrise start of summer dog walking?

A person in blue t shirt with white dog stroll along a trail with golden grasses. A small farm sites in a green olive grove in mid distance. Beyond lies a lake with hills beyond
A person in blue t shirt with white dog stroll along a trail with golden grasses. A small farm sites in a green olive grove in mid distance. Beyond lies a lake with hills beyond
A white chapel on a hill on the left overlooks a green valley with a small town sitting on the right hand side on a plateau
A white chapel on a hill on the left overlooks a green valley with a small town sitting on the right hand side on a plateau
A husky and white dog stand at the base of a flowered cross with the outlines of a town beyond.
A husky and white dog stand at the base of a flowered cross with the outlines of a town beyond.

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Cracking light show last night. We even had some drops of rain! Lanjaron, Andalucia

Thunderstorms light up the night sky. Bottom right are the lights of a small town.

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Arko hates his photo being taken but this morning he knows I've just baked him some liver cake for his walks :dance_cool_doge:

A husky/malamute cross with blue eyes looks away from the camera
A husky/malamute cross with blue eyes looks away from the camera

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Exciting news. I'm going back to the Dolomites for a week at the end of September as I feel there is some unfinished business. This time, instead of just trekking, we are aiming to do 6 high level Via Ferrata routes in the Sella/San Martino mountain range in 5 days. Will use two refuges as a base. Really looking forward to it.

Three people gaze out at some sharp mountain peaks and pinnacles. In the background is another group of higher mountains with some cloud gathering around the summits
Three people gaze out at some sharp mountain peaks and pinnacles. In the background is another group of higher mountains with some cloud gathering around the summits

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Today's pick from the garden. Think some hot and spicy sriracha sauce might be coming up

Mixture of red and green vegetables picked from the garden
Mixture of red and green vegetables picked from the garden

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The Vuelta de España passing through my town of Lanjarón this afternoon.

178 kilometre mountain stage with 4,370 meters of ascent. It's hot and humid. Respect.

The Vuelta de España passing through my town of Lanjarón this afternoon

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Silent Hiking Laguna Misterioso and Molinillo Waterfall

An August summer day in the Sierra Nevada and yet almost alone for all of this 6 hour hike visiting hidden lakes and spectacular waterfalls. No need for music in this short video, I shall let the wind and water speak for itself.

video.infosec.exchange/w/uKUoq


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Friday is watering day for us here in the campo. Great to see the olive and lemon trees being nourished in the morning sun. Our young avocados and apples need it every couple of days. Rewarding.

A small black pipe emits a steady trickle of water down to the ground at the foot of an olive tree

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Must say, I'm really enjoying putting together short 3 minute videos of my hikes. Adding a new dimension to my day in the hills.

I'm certainly no expert, but In the old days it used to take loads of editing on powerful desktop computers to produce a video. Now it's done on a mobile phone in a few minutes. Just incredible.

Here's one I did yesterday

video.infosec.exchange/w/rLDKw


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Short clip from today's hike. Crossing the Paso de las Guias in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains.

Sorry for the dramatic music. Couldn't help it 🤣

Some people edge along a narrow rocky path using a chain to hold onto. Below them a vertical drop

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It's amazing what simple day to day things you just can't do when you cant use a thumb. Frustrating!😤


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I wrote a blog about our travels through the Italian Dolomites.

It is quite a long and comprehensive read but the hope is it may help give information to others who are thinking of visiting the area.

elperronegro.com/posts/2024-08


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15 min video - "Wanderings on and off the Alta Via 2 trek in the Dolomites"

One week of traditional hut to hut trekking and one completely different week "making it up as we went along". All the time making our way southwards through the Italian Dolomite mountains. In total we covered over 130km and with over 7000 metres of ascent.

All combined into 15 minutes!

video.infosec.exchange/w/9uYH9


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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.


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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.

A small kitten licks some milk from a hand

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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.

A hiker walk along a narrow path through a very green forest
A hiker walk along a narrow path through a very green forest
To the left of a dark tree are green forest tops and a background of mountain peaks with cloud interspersed in their summits
To the left of a dark tree are green forest tops and a background of mountain peaks with cloud interspersed in their summits
A green alpine pasture with some the stumps in the foreground. Behind some mountains with cloud
A green alpine pasture with some the stumps in the foreground. Behind some mountains with cloud

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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

Looking up the valley of the Val delle Moneghe
Looking up the valley of the Val delle Moneghe
Sunshine and morning mists illuminate a shadowed forest track
Sunshine and morning mists illuminate a shadowed forest track
Sunshine and morning mists illuminate a shadowed forest track
Sunshine and morning mists illuminate a shadowed forest track

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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

A person with a yellow poncho and another with a blue one stand in a rainy forest looking miserable
A person with a yellow poncho and another with a blue one stand in a rainy forest looking miserable

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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.

The small hamlet of  Matiuz near Sagron
The small hamlet of Matiuz near Sagron
Small buildings sit in grassy meadows with huge peaks towering above
Small buildings sit in grassy meadows with huge peaks towering above
Forest with lovely light coming through
Forest with lovely light coming through
Hotel Giasenei near Sagron.
Hotel Giasenei near Sagron.

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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

A house sits at the left hand edge of a green grassy alp with a curtain if pine trees behind. At the back on the right rises s huge grey limestone mountain
A house sits at the left hand edge of a green grassy alp with a curtain if pine trees behind. At the back on the right rises s huge grey limestone mountain
A glacial river gushes downstream through boulders. The riverbanks are surrounded by pines. At the back is a mountain with cloud on the sunmit
A glacial river gushes downstream through boulders. The riverbanks are surrounded by pines. At the back is a mountain with cloud on the sunmit
A gap in some large pine trees in a forest suggests a warn sunny opening ahead
A gap in some large pine trees in a forest suggests a warn sunny opening ahead
Layers of green grasses and trees stretching into the distance. The grass in the foreground is illuminated by the morning sun
Layers of green grasses and trees stretching into the distance. The grass in the foreground is illuminated by the morning sun

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

A pretty alpine cuckoo clock house sits on. a green field with a huge mountain riding behind
A pretty alpine cuckoo clock house sits on. a green field with a huge mountain riding behind

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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.

A person with a climbing helmet attached to a rucksack stares at the green pastures in front. Behind are a range of mountains and pine trees
A person with a climbing helmet attached to a rucksack stares at the green pastures in front. Behind are a range of mountains and pine trees

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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.

Starting the trail down through green pines and meadows to Passo Rolle. Above the hiker are dramatic rock faces
Starting the trail down through green pines and meadows to Passo Rolle. Above the hiker are dramatic rock faces
A road winds its way through green hillsides. Above rise some dramatic mountain peaks of the Pale di San Martino range
A road winds its way through green hillsides. Above rise some dramatic mountain peaks of the Pale di San Martino range
Looking through a gap in some pine trees towards a mountain rock face riding up and with clouds interspersed in the summit
Looking through a gap in some pine trees towards a mountain rock face riding up and with clouds interspersed in the summit
An upper area of barren rock faces and verticality contrasts with the green lushness of a valley floor
An upper area of barren rock faces and verticality contrasts with the green lushness of a valley floor

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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

4 Aperol Spritz orange and pink flavored drinks
4 Aperol Spritz orange and pink flavored drinks
Apfel Strudel desert with custard cream
Apfel Strudel desert with custard cream
4 small glasses of favoured grappas. Pine resin, honey, blueberry and herb
4 small glasses of favoured grappas. Pine resin, honey, blueberry and herb

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