Dolomites

The Dolomites are an extension of the Alps in northeastern Italy. The region is variously known as Sudtirol, the Tyrol, and the Aldo Adige. It has historical roots as part of Austria/Hungary until it was given to Italy as a spoil of WWI so there is a real mix of Italian and German in language, architecture, and customs. The hostess at our BnB only spoke German and communication was difficult. She runs a working farm with a vineyard and large orchard. I would have loved to learn more about it. Our room was in a loft over an ancient water mill, next to the goat pen and duck pond. As with several of our accommodations, we were served a delicious breakfast that included homemade bread, jams, yogurt, fresh eggs, and local cheese.

The whole Dolomite region is much busier and more populated than I expected and the roads are difficult to follow, even with GPS. Both mornings here it took us several hours to find the area where we wanted to hike. Both days we took cable cars up into the mountains and hiked from there. The first day it was a rugged hike in a remote region of the Val Gardena. The second day hiked in the Alpe du Suisi, the largest alpine meadow in Europe. Both hikes were spectacular, although low clouds and a myriad of cable cars/ski lifts marred many of the views the second day. I think my next big hike may be in the Dolomites!