Ted's Hiking World Tre Cime di Lavaredo

September 6, 2014

Dave and I have just arrived at the first of four scheduled locations from which we will try our luck on the vaunted Dolomite Mountains.  After getting 'settled' at the giant youth (hah!) hostel in Dobbiaco, where a reputed 84% of the residents speak German and the rest Italian, we head out on the bus for our first adventure.

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View from the hostel lobby *
Dobbiaco main street

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The plan is to trek completely around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the area's signature landmark.  Because this is a very popular hike, no solitude is anticipated.  In fact, on the way up the road in the bus, we pass through a toll booth which is charging a $34 parking fee for private cars — and getting it.

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Just above the trailhead

From here I can see the awesome spires to be visited on tomorrow's scheduled outing:

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The Cadini di Misurina

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Getting started.  This is exciting!

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World War I monuments

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The Tre Cime

We bypass Rifugio Lavaredo, from which one can choose to remain on the service road for a gentler ascent; but we didn't come here for that, so up we go.

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The climbing begins for real

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Iceland Poppy *

Atop the pass, a marvelous scene unfolds:

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Rifugio Locatelli comes into view (far right)    ⇔

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Most of our hikes will be in "natural parks", as they are called here

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Some prefer the high trail    ⇔

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Servicing the rifugio

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This is why I came to Italy

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Dave spots an arch in the cliff... *
...There it is

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Getting closer

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The Laghi del Piani are exquisite

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Lunch time at Rifugio Locatelli, 7890'

There are maps and other information on display here.

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Paying respects at the chapel

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Continuing the loop

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Yep.  No wilderness experience today

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The route ahead    ⇔

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Field Locoweed *
Bluebell Bellflower

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Shepherd's hut

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Chapel, Locatelli, service building    ⇔

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Heading for Forcella Col di Mezzo

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A touch of mild exposure here    ⇔

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Cairn garden.  I guess somebody else has been here with nothing useful to do.

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The end is in sight

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Looking forward to tomorrow


§: Now that was a world-class hike!  May they all be this exciting.  Be prepared to deal with some crowding, because this could be the easiest walk in these high mountains.  I have withheld a top rating for this one only because I expect some subsequent walks to be even better.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
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Solitude *

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