August 2016
Travelled to Selva Val Gardena on Saturday and arrived in glorious sunshine. We were very tired after the plane and bus transfer but went exploring the town after checking in to the Hotel Ingram. Really impressed with the welcome and the information given at check in. We were given maps, activities information, some of which are free, and a free bus pass for the Val Gardena area. Lovely quiet town surrounded by rocky mountains. We enjoyed a five course meal each night served by really friendly staff.
First day of our holiday, Sunday, and torrential rain. We went down town and had bruschetta at Cafe de Alpes. A relaxing day snoozing, reading and recovering from our travels the previous day..
Second day Monday, walk up to Stevia, a good walk to get us back up to mountain fitness. Weather is dry, very warm but not glorious sunshine, perfect for walking really. Did a really good circular route and back to Selva where we enjoyed a Magnum each.
Tuesday was another bright start and after a good breakfast we took the bus up to Passo Sella and climbing there. The bus winds its way up very steeply and is always busy but wonderful once you get used to it. Sassolungo is very busy with cyclists, cars, climbers and there are chair lifts which look like coffins to take people up the peak.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed a candlelit dinner which had been arranged by the hotel owners and staff. A good way to break the ice with everyone else staying at the hotel. And a really good meal!
On the Wednesday The sun is splitting the trees and we walked up to Refugio Campianio, a great steep hike. Then we went over to Refugio Comici which is like Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday afternoon. We then walked over to Passo Sella and jumped on the bus to take us back down the valley.
On Thursday we went back up to Passo Sella and again went climbing at the City of Rocks. We had a fabulous salad at the restaurant in Sassolungo.
It was torrential rain on the Friday again so we took the bus down to Ortisei and went to the museum there. There was an exhibition of the work of Luis
Trenker who was born in 1892 and was a mountain climber, architect, then actor and director. When Italy took over Val Gardena he moved to Germany to keep his German nationality and joined the nazi party.
Georgio Moroder was also born in Ortisei and is making an appearance this summer. Posters were all around the area and all shops were decorated with Moroder related paraphernalia. No-one was in any doubt that he was making an appearance and the Italian President was in the audience at the event. George Moroder wrote all Donna Summer's work and worked with Phil Oakley on Electric Dreams. An exhibition was underway at the museum of his work and to tie in with the visit.
On Saturday it was another glorious day and we went a walk to Passo Gardena where there was a beautiful little chapel and a cross on the top of the hill. We walked back over down to Selva past another Refugio where preparations were underway for a wedding - what a great venue to get married. Guests were arriving by gondola.
Sunday and brilliant sunshine again and I got started climbing up at the City of Rocks. Haven't climbed for over ten years outside but got right back into it. Great fun! So much easier climbing in sunshine.
Had to run for the bus back to Plan. Got hot pizza and Magnums from the Spar - absolutely delish!
Monday another glorious sunshine day! Had a late start as bus broke down and we had to wait for the next bus. Travelled up to Passo Sella and walked all the way around the Sassolungo Massiff. A huge day in sweltering heat, but it was scenic and satisfying. Late bus back.
Tuesday was meant to be wet so we stayed quite local, bought some presents, had some lunch in our favourite Cafe de Alpes. Wasn't as wet as forecast but after our long hard day yesterday, we relaxed, read and snoozed.
Wednesday and rain again with snow on the peaks. We were going to take the bus to Corvora but it didn't turn up so we walked down into the village, definitely a cooler air. Bought some presents had soup at Cafe de Alpes, then it cleared up so we decided to walk up to Passo Grabla to look at some climbing crags. Good walk and crags are in a scenic position right next to a waterfall. We walked back up towards Passo Gardena and discovered the road was closed explaining why the bus didn't show up, possibly a landslide.
Thursday was another climbing day in Passo Sella, we tended to go climbing and walking on alternate days. Climbing is not quite so strenuous so this gives us a little rest day in between long walking days - a bit of mix and match.
The Friday was our last full day and we walked right up the back valley of Selva and discovered a
Wolkenstein Castle cut into the rock and also wooden carved stations of the cross along our route. During Lent the locals walk along past these Stations of the Cross and pray.
No holiday is complete without checking out the local library. All information venues had notice boards outside and someone was employed to update them daily throughout the area. There was no limit to the information I was given and this is something that could easily be replicated electronically. Inside the library was pretty cool too.
The Dolomites don't have a Matterhorn or a Mont Blanc to attract tourists but the hotels, guest houses and people really make up for this in their welcome, information for tourists and locals, and their friendly hospitality. I was really impressed by the hotel but also the surrounding information provision. I will definitely be back to this part of the world and still have so much to do here.
