Route 973

Steep. Sweaty. Straight up.

For just short of 1000m. Three-quarters of that was in the trees (hmmm.... great views!)

It wasn't the perfect walk in that respect but we both needed a day of a bit more effort and we definitely got that.

On hitting the ridge after a couple of hours, I heard Liz say, 'Wow!' just ahead of me. The views from our edge of the Dolomites into the mountains were stunning and made the slog worthwhile. 

The view was entirely moody with rain forecast, which was why we plumped for this local walk rather than a via ferrata a couple of hours drive away. It was a complete contrast in atmosphere compared to the blue skies of Monday but spectacular in a very different way. 

We paused for a while before picking our way along the ridge and then heading down into Casasola. The descent path, although steep, was firm underfoot and far better than going up.  There were still plenty of wild flowers around including cyclamen which I've not seen wild before but there was a definite autumnal feel too.

Despite four aching knees and feeling shattered, we were back at the car after about 5 hours. I think I would have really struggled with my cold yesterday but today, my head has cleared pretty much completely.

It's a shame siesta time includes the bars as we were desperate for a coffee but had to wait for our trusty local in Sequals. We made up for it with two. And chocolate!

We've now had our own siesta and it's time for showers and our last meal at Mario's.