Canazei

Finding our train in Venice out in the back paddock after passing all the swish Italian high speed bullets was a little concerning. It would be a 4.5 hour trip all stops to Trento in the north east of Italy. Thankfully the train was very smooth so we spent most of the time reading Dan Brown (Deception Point) which was finished later that evening.

Stopping in Trento we were a little restless given that we had not adequately researched the area and had no idea where the best access to the famous Dolomite ranges would be found. After talking briefly with the train and bus attendants we stumbled across the tourism board in a side street who informed us that the Val de Fassa would be the best start. With Canazei now in our sights we committed to a 3 hour bus tour (all stops domestic) high into the Dolomite ranges and relaxed in Trento town square for gelato and frappe.

Canazei - 17 June

Europe has certainly got the accommodationless tourist thing down to a fine art. Our scenic bus trip was fantastic and dropped us right infront of the town accommodation booking board, a large electronic listing with map and free phone of all available rooms in town. We debated the benefits of setting up tent at 9:30pm in the mountains and somehow Camilla seemed to quiet easily convince the pack mule that a comfy Penzion would be best. As we fell asleep we could hardly believe that a 1 star penzion with breakfast in this beautiful location could be so reasonably priced. Having planned to stay only one night then relocate to the campsite the following day we somehow ended up confirming another 2 nights.

Day 1 - 18 June

After a wonderful nights sleeps and completely stuffing ourselves with breakfast we retired back to our balcony, complete with valley and mountain views for a relaxing read. Strolling through town late in the afternoon we crossed the fast flowing river and walked through the woods for about half an hour. Settling on a big comfy park bench we discussed life, the universe and everything. Without resolve we have come to the conclusion that extended travel is a valuable part of our personal and relationship development, thankfully there is still another 12 weeks to go.

Eating a home cooked meal of pesto burgers we decided that the following days challenge would be to summit Piz Boe and explore the Sella Gruppa mountain in the Dolomites. To cheers this conclusion we had come across a bottle of the Spumante Dolce Barghetto d'Aqui in the supermarket which we had previously enjoyed in Capri. What a great end to a lovely day.

Day 2 - 19 June - THE CLIMB

Although some of you may argue that a gondola and two very large cable cars is cheating however we could not see ourselves completing an ascent from 1450m above sea level to 3152 into a midday stroll (read: gruelling 6 hour alpine endurance).

Rising up above the thick forest in the godola we immediately boarded the first cable car to be lifted higher than Kosciosko. With an imposing view of the valley from a small precipice our adreneline and excitment had risen to new heights. A short 40 minute walk across the top of the ski fields gave us ample opportunity to admire the green grass, spring flowers and day dream about this area covered in thick snow. At the base of the final Pass Pordoi cable car we could see the top station clinging to the cliff edge high above.

The Dolomite mountain ranges, in particular the Sella Gruppa are an ancient seabed which rose around 300 million years ago to an average height in excess of 2500 metres. Impressive vistas throughout the region include the jaggered mountain faces and large risen plateaus. In the afternoon a rose colour can be seen in the rock and close up it is possible to make out fossilised corals and small crystals. Camilla was at an advantage on this climb as yesterday she invested in a pair of indestructable ASOLO mountain hiking monster boots.

Having reached the top of Pass Pordoi cable car and making our way across the first 2 or 3 snow drifts it was obvious that the boots were a great investment. Precariously narrow trodden paths through the snow and around the cliff edges connected large expanses of open gently sloping hills. Coming to the base of the final ascent we crossed crunchy brilliant white rock and stopped for the final energy fix.

Approximately 45 minutes worth of 1:1 grade climbing was heavy going, particularly the technical sections where permanent cable railings were essential. We felt confident in our capacity to achieve this minor gravity defying exertion in that the 4 and 5 year olds were not overtaking us too rapidly. Notably, the air is thinner at 3152 metres than our homes in Pennant Hills at 50 metres which of course is the only reason our fit athletic bodies would require us to puff and pant (yeah right!)

Having little time to admire the views with our faces firmly fixed on the next step up it was a welcome reward to finally reach the summit. There is little that can be said that is not obvious in our smiles on the photos. What a feeling.

Downhill, for some unknown reason, was by far the hardest section. With jelly legs on slippery rocks and snow we took our time and only used the derrier and additional limbs when necessary. Thankfully our timing was spot on as we caught on of the last few cable cars down to the bottom. Camilla was given the task on the limp back to the penzion to recite all of the sound of music songs in chronological order in preparation for Salzburg.

Having now tasted the European alpine environment, immersed ourselves in the aroma of spring flowers on the hills and completed a (fairly) rigorous climb we are now truly itching to see this place in winter. The Dolomites are both unique in that they are the only coral mountains at this height in the world and present stunning vistas in every direction. Very Cool.