I Dolomiti II

click to enlarge

In Cortina, the bell tower across the street made sure we were up by 7:00 a.m. each day. On our second morning, we were awakened even earlier by the sounds of human industry below our window. A giant market was being set up in the streets and alleys, very colourful. It took over the whole town, selling everything from produce to clothes to books to useless trinkets. I bought a hat, having left my worn out Tilleys at home. The market filled the roads for eight or ten blocks and then was all packed up and gone by 8 p.m.

Doesn't sweep too well but it flies great!

From near the centre of town you can take a funivia (foo-NEE-vee-ah), a gondola similar to Grouse Mountain’s, right to the top of one of the local ski hills. Susan and Louise: ‘now THAT’s mountain climbing!’ And at the top? A rifugio for a cold drink on the deck following all that exertion!   After yesterday’s hike, they figured it was best to enjoy a bit of a rest day and I left them there to enjoy their medio litro (half litre) of vino while I explored a few ridges with nice views over looking the town and valley from about 8,000 feet.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Click to see S & L on the left corner of the deck.

An old mining company building 

Next, driving to Lago Misurina and it’s smaller sister lake made for a beautiful side trip for us. The path around the little lake is easily walked, and provided fabulous foto fodder, as well as a new bird or two. Slavonian Grebe sounded all exotic and exciting but the scientific name proved it to be the same as what we call Eared grebe.



Old wooden ski jump from 1956 Olympics