Even though it’s October and we actually just returned from a trip to Ireland/Northern Ireland, I find myself thinking a lot about our vacation to Italy back in May. At home the temperatures and humidity levels were rising as summer drew nearer, but in the Dolomites the weather was cool and crisp and we were surrounded by snow on our hikes. So now, as we are transitioning to fall, I’m pulling sweaters and warm wool socks out of drawers that, the last time they were worn, was in the South Tyrol. Major nostalgia happening over here for Alpine fields, bacon dumplings, and grappa after dinner.
The Dolomites are absolutely stunning, and though rain and snow thwarted a few of our plans, we had such a wonderful time in this region of Italy and hope to be back very soon.
Where we stayed: Hotel Solaia, Kastelruth/Castelrotto
Our favorite restaurants: Gasthof Toni, Ristorante Pizzeria Zur Alten Schmiede
Alpe di Suisi
As we got further on, the path was completely hidden by snow along the mountain ridges, it was raining, and the temperatures plunged into the 40s. As there was much angry deliberation and frustrated crying in this time, there aren’t a lot of pictures to accompany this morning. We took the gondola back down and felt completely dejected. After some consolatory salami sandwiches and espresso for lunch, we wondered how we’d spend the rest of our day. But as we sat there in the cafe, the sky miraculously cleared up, and we spent the afternoon wandering through dreamy alpine fields and clamboring up and around the forests at the base of the Alpe di Suisi.
Seriously, this was the same exact day! We had no idea the weather was going to clear when we went to lunch, so we didn’t even have water with us or the camera (all of these are phone photos).
Our “leisurely walk” turned into a 12 mile hike. Oops. Luckily there were natural cold springs in the woods, and we took our time and had the thought of hot pizza and cold beer to sustain us as we traipsed along back into Kastelruth.
Next up will be a trip to Bolzano and our adventures hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo!
The Traveling Greaves 