Walking in Europe

A spectacular (and very popular!) part of the Dolomites.

September 20… From our campsite in Cortina we had a very early pack up and start in order to walk the 3 kms into Cortina (too early for city buses!) to catch the Dolomiti transit bus up to Misurina and then further up to Rifugio Auronzo. We were booked into R. Auronzo and hadn’t expected to arrive so early so we had a lovely day of exploring a few trails and meadows and had our picnic lunch out in a meadow away from the throngs of tourists. Wow this is a very popular spot. Large parking lots with tour buses and cars, mostly of day hikers (the most crowded we’ve experienced so far), but we enjoyed our day of the most amazing Dolomites scenery and mountain air. We were booked into the Rifugio Auronzo for the night and it was much quieter once the day crowds had left. The dinner was really good!

September 21… From Auronzo we hiked the first half of the circle route around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (three vertical and dramatic spires) peaks. The trail is very popular so the hike was busy, but short for us so we were able to drop our packs at our next Refugio at Locatelli, and spend the afternoon wandering around the meadows and rocky areas less travelled by the throngs. Just such dramatic scenery and so appreciated the continued good weather! Rifugio Locatelli was a really nice hostel, comfortable bunks (we splurged on a private room), good food (dinner was amazing in particular), and very welcoming staff. And nice to share meals with a couple from Vancouver! Hello to Ian and Jessica!

September 22… Today there was a shift in the weather (equinox!), and we finished the Tre Cime circle route before lunch along a very picturesque trail but with lower temps and clouds swirling around the peaks (needed our warm layers!). Smaller crowds as it is Monday today and the weather is definitely changing. We finished around lunch and sat out the weather for awhile in the Rifugio Auronzo while we booked bus and accommodation for our next destination. Tomorrow we are taking a bus to Venice for a few days. Amazingly short distance (a three hour bus ride) from where we are camped tonight in Dobbaccio (Toblach). Rain holding off so far for a night back in the tent!