Venice and the Dolomites
September 1 - September 14, 2015
Page Six - Dolomites - Hike 4
Altopiano di Fanes
The group split into 2 sections, with one section starting earlier and taking
a longer option from the Rifugio Fanes up to Forcella del Lago, then
descending steeply to eventually meet the rest of the group at a restaurant
in a mountain valley.
The early group had this view of the rifugio and mountains
near the beginning of the hike. Rifugio Fanes can be seen below.
Also, this view
A wide meadow that we crossed before
climbing up to the area on the back left.
Looking back from the meadow, some cows were grazing
and heading our way
.
As we were climbing uphill, a herd of chamois were in
the area and took off as soon as they saw us.
Looking back down at the meadow from which
we had ascended.
We were heading toward that gap you can see between the mountains.
A rather narrow, exposed section
At Forcella del Lago - putting on more clothes
to keep warm.
Jeff heading down the steep descent from the gap.
Looking back up at the impressive view
Another view along our descent
Looking back at our descent route, down the narrow cleft.
Lago di Lagazuoi - lake near the base of the slope
we had come down.
We had another descent to arrive at the meadow below where we
had a brief stop at a rifugio.
Nearing the Capanna Alpina, a bar/restaurant where we met up with the
rest of the group who had done the shorter hike.
The group was transferred to the mountain village
of San Cassiano. From there we took a gondola up to
Piz Sorega, a ski area. We hiked from there to our
lunch spot with 360 degree views along the way.
Our lunch stop, Rifugio Bioch, in the distance
Waiter serving us at Rifugio Bioch
Snow-covered Marmolada, the highest peak in the
Dolomites at 11,024 feet
Marmolada
Marmolada
Farmer raking hay
Many in the area wear the traditional blue apron, which signifies identity
with the Tirol
in Austria. This area, called the "Sudtirol," was given
to Italy after WW1,
an unpopular move to many who identified
with Austria.
Cemetery and church on outskirts of
the town of Corvara, a major ski town,
located in Val Badia valley in the midst of the
Dolomites. Before WWI, this area used to be
Austria, so this area has a mix of Austrian and Italian
culture. Many locals are Ladin and speak Ladin.
Link to Page 7 - Dolomites - Hike 5
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