Italian Dolomites: Foxes, Fox Holes, Foot Paths, and Fabulous Food

Today was another mixed bag of awesome in the Italian Dolomites.  In the morning, some of the group enjoyed an international horse-jumping event, one (not me!) went on a vigorous bike ride and we all reconvened for a lovely lunch on a covered patio of a local restaurant.  I’m becoming hooked on these grande salads they offer.

A meal in itself

For the afternoon, we made our way up different routes to another beautifully situated rifugio, and Gary guided most of the group through a fascinating outdoor museum of World War I trenches, stone walls and fortifications along a ruggedly beautiful walking path.  In some cases, manikins are installed to illustrate the conditions and warfare experienced by the soldiers embattled in defending or besieging the critical Dolomites region during the war.

Old trenches and fortifications from WWI, Dolomites, photo G. Scott

Once we were all happily together again after our varying and satisfying degrees of outdoor exertion, we ordered wine – of course! – beer, and a bountiful platter of speck (the local name for ham and prosciutto) while we awaited our dinner, high atop a mountain with sweeping views.

“Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery.” John Ruskin

We all watched, mesmerized, as two rock climbers started their ascent of the main rock/tower of the Cinque Torri and made their way up to the top in a late afternoon glow.  As Gary explained the skill and teamwork involved in the climb up and the belay down, we ate our delicious meals and watched the pair as they carefully yet fairly quickly make their way down in the fading light.   Our own mountain style of “dinner theater”.  It was such a bonus to have an experienced rock climber as a guide and dinner companion.  But we were all a bit skeptical when he likened it to an afternoon of golf! One wrong move and you’re above par, but here…? Hmmm. Mistakes aren’t so easily forgiven.

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” William Blake

Our very own climbing drama stage in the alpenglow of the Dolomites, photo G. Scott

We donned our packs and trekking poles and headed down through flowered green hills to our trusty van parked conveniently below.  A fox obligingly darted across the road in front of us as we were contemplating what, if any, wildlife, we might be able to spot in the Dolomites.  I’m beginning to like this place 😉 That, if you didn’t catch it, was an understatement.

The Cinque Torri, Dolomites, Italy

Photos by Gina Stark except where mentioned

For more Dolomites photos and hiking, see Hiking Italy: Delving Into the Dolomites

Follow our fab guide Gary on Twitter @DolomitesGuide and view his trips here: Right Path Adventures