Summary & Credits

September 24, 2014

– TRIP SUMMARY –

Hikes: Despite the weather, we managed seven high-elevation treks, and the scenery was predictably outstanding. Compared to American trails, the ones in the Dolomites are relatively unforgiving. A typical 5-mile hike there can be as time-consuming and energy-draining as an 8-10 mile hike back home. We also managed seven or eight lower-elevation walks in meadows and forests, all with beautiful scenery. Weather: The first week was good. We dodged some rain a couple of times. Later on, several walks were stymied by cloudiness and early-afternoon rain. On our last high-elevation hike, we could see virtually nothing all the way down a 3,000-foot mountain. It started to clear up just as we left the area. Wildlife: There were cows, some sheep, a few horses, a couple of llamas, some dogs on the trail, and two cats. Other than a few scavenger birds, we saw no wild animals whatever. Besides some ibex and marmots, virtually all wildlife has long been eradicated. Lodging: Two hotels were nice, and two B&B's were nice. The two hostels were quite primitive, as usual, yet cost just as much or more. No soap, no towels, etc. Apparently all rooms in Europe are hopelessly small. Sometimes there is barely enough space to move around. Transportation: The bus and train systems are awesome. I doubt that any such facility in the states comes close to being either as efficient or as inexpensive. Food: The Italian food I had was quite tasty. The two pasta dishes and the two soups that I had were excellent. I am not a big fan of their pizza, though. The crusts are so thin that one is compelled to use a knife and fork, and that's an unnatural act; also, the toppings are sparse. Call me biased if you must, but call me a happy guy when I can pick up a big piece of pizza that is piled high with stuff, including olives and red pepper. The pizza that most Americans know and love got its start, not in Italy, but at the Shakey's at 57th and J in Sacramento.  I want one of those. Doubtless some of you love dining out in foreign lands, and more power to you; but I will stick with my neighborhood cafe, where the water is free, coffee and soda refills are free, pepper is on the table, soft drinks actually are cold, balanced meals are readily available, and there is no bullshit cover-charge just for the pleasure of sitting there. And I don't have to board an airplane in order for butter to be included with a dinner roll.

– FINALLY...

I must reiterate my appreciation of my partner's efforts on our behalf.  Dave did all the advance planning, made all the reservations, did extensive research on bus and train routes, and located all the best hikes.  If ever you need a foreign travel guide, he's your guy.

Thank you so much, David, for turning what would otherwise have been a logistical nightmare into a rewarding vacation.  Of course, I expected no less from my smartest friend.