The Dolomites
(Part I)

Jack and Kate's Summer '24 European Trip: Part 2

Dates: June 28-29, 2024

Locations: Dolomiti National Park, Seceda Ridgeline

Day 1: First Views

After the whirlwind of Venice and amazingly annoying experience of getting our rental car, Kate and I were finally free on the open road as we raced towards the mountains. Just an hour into the drive, granite spires began to appear- the hallmark of the Dolomites.

As a first chance to breathe in the mountain air, we took a roadside stop at Rifugio Pelmo in the village of Palafavera for a couple of espressos with incredible views. From the deck, we could see Mount Civetta and its line of supporting towers. The dry, cool air and sunshine through spotty clouds made for a very comfortable relief from the Mediterranean heat we'd experienced.

From there, the drive became windy and narrow, but each turn revealed a new perspective on the Dolomites as we ascended into them. We had to repeatedly pull off to get out and admire the views more thoroughly. It was a partly cloudy day, and the sunlight streaming through gaps created a light show on the sheer granite faces of the mountains around us. Apparently we were getting above treeline as well, since dark green pines gave way to verdant meadows of flowers and grass that absolutely lit up when the sun struck them.

Slideshow: Glowing grasslands above Val Gardena.

After the hike, we drove to Colfosco where we checked into our hotel at Garni Reutlingen. At the recommendation of the owner we walked down the street to Black Hill Pizzeria, starving from a whole day of traveling. We were so excited for some authentic pizza that we ordered 3 pizzas, prompting the waiter to ask if we were really really sure about that. He definitely thought stereotypical thoughts about Americans when we took that third pizza home with us...

A lovely walk through the twilight streets of Colfosco rounded out our day. The air was chilly and fresh up here in the mountains, a welcome relief from Venice/Houston.

Day 2:

Day 3: