Dolomites Day 2

Dolomites 2005

A personal diary ....

Day 1 .. Travel to Bergamo
Day 2 .. Travel to Rifugio Vajolet
Day 3 .. Vajolet to Rifugio Alpe di Tires .. Kesselkogel
Day 4 .. Tires to Rifugio Passo Sella .. Sasso Piatto
Day 5 .. Around the Passo Sella .. Col Rodella
Day 6 .. Passo Sella to Rifugio Castiglioni .. Sasso del Cappello
Day 7 .. Castiglioni to Rifugio Contrin .. Passo Ombretta
Day 8 .. Around the Contrin .. Cima Ombrettola
Day 9 .. Travel to Trento
Day 10 .. Travel to Bergamo
Day 11 .. Travel home

We all got up to get the early breakfast. Diane managed to pull a cord off in the shower. It turned out to be the emergency cord but no-one turned up! After breakfast, we got our left luggage stored and then walked down the steps to get the bus into town. Once dropped off, we walked down the street to the station and quickly sorted out which platform we needed.

The train duly arrived on time and we got on and all found seats. An uneventful journey took us to Brescia. We then found out that the Verona train was 15 minutes late! This meant the next transfer was going to be tight. However the train had made up some time and we arrived at Verona with about 5 minutes to spare. The good news was that our train for Trento was the other side of the platform.

We all boarded and there were plenty of seats. Again a simple journey and before we knew it we had arrived at Trento. We left the station and within 100m was the bus station. Iris soon sorted out buying the tickets to Vigo di Fassa, so we then headed into the café to get a very nice lunch. Good food and excellent value.

After that, there was not much time to look around, but some headed into the park across from the station for a look around. I soon found that the bus was at its platform and ensured that we all arrived to get our luggage aboard. The bus was very full and it was quite clammy on board. How would we survive the 2 hours 20 minutes of the journey?

However, once the bus started, the air blowers started working and it made it more comfortable. There was plenty to look at on the way and the journey didn’t seem to take as long as it was. There was some wonderful scenery to look at.

It seemed that we were at Vigo di Fassa in no time. We got off the bus and got our rucksacks – now we have to find the cable car. No real problem and it doesn’t take long to get to the station. Somehow Andy manages to get a trip up by himself. The rest of us have to get the next car. Andy will be getting in the beers at the first Rifugio .. of course he will!

We arrive at the top station, but where to find Andy. Not the first rifugio, but there he is at the Rifugio Ciampedie with 10 glasses and a jug of wine. What a good way to start in the mountains. Some had a bite to eat while others took photos. We got out the boots and walking poles and rearranged the rucksacks, but then we all had to finally start some walking.

It took about an hour and a half to walk to the Rifugio Vajolet. It was a reasonable warm up for the days to come and enough to work up a sweat.

We got booked in – girls in a room for 2 and the boys in a room for 8. Only 1 shower in the place and we had to buy tokens but it was worth it to feel clean.

The views outside were stunning and I took a few photos. We had a good dinner with gigantic portions of apple strudel that was enjoyed by all. After dinner, I phoned ahead to confirm tomorrow nights booking in the Tierser Alpl Hutte.

Back inside and we had a few more drinks and discussion about tomorrow’s route options, but eventually I gave in and had an early night about 10.00 pm.