Up north in Italy, near the Austrian border is a valley called Valle Aurina. It’s really gorgeous. For me, it reminds me of Colorado. I took a fabulous hike on Saturday, walking first from Campo Tures, where I was staying, to the Speikboden, which is the gondola that takes you up the mountain. Once there, I embarked on a hike that took me up to some 360 degree views of the area. I was fortunate to meet some folks from, of all places Minnesota (there are few Americans in this part of Italy). They were a group of Germans and Americans, and it was nice to have the company as we made are way up and up. It was not a long hike at just under 5 miles, but gained close to 2000 feet in elevation and was quite exposed in areas. It was awesome! The trail was one of the best I’ve ever hiked on, well-maintained and marked. I can’t even describe the views, even on a so-so weather day. It really left me speechless or else exclaiming some expletives! So, the only way I know how to paint a picture of such an experience is to do it in photos. Below are some pictures of this magnificent hike which had views to the Dolomites to the south and the Zillertal Alps to the north. Simply spectacular!
From the gondola on the way up!
The beginning of the hike
Climbing up with views of the fabulous trail
The trail – and the vegetation
Views!
Climbing up higher
Mountains in the clouds
Mountains and the Valle Aurina
More mountain views
The trail that keeps climbing higher
A view looking back at the trail already accomplished
Views of the mountains and trail
Toward the Dolomiti
Mountain views
Looking down at one of the valleys – incredible
Mountain views
Clouds and the mountains
Mountains and clouds – wow!
