The Dolomites and Le Tre Cimine

Again an early rise and on the road by 9am. About 3 hours journey to the Dolomites and the scenery got more and more spectacular as we went along.

We passed through a town called Longarone where, seemingly, according to Gloria, ice cream was invented. Longarone was also the site of a disaster in 1963 when a mountain fell into the lake. There was a hydro-electric dam in private ownership which the government wanted to take over. The owners were considered to be negligent (if I understood Gloria properly) because of the takeover. Residents could hear strange noises from the mountain but their concerns were not heeded. Then the top of the mountain fell into the lake. 3 villages were destroyed and 1000 people died. When the waters of the lake are low, the steeple of one of the submerged churches can be seen.

Piero drove quite a distance up Le Tre Cimine and parked and, stick in hand (even Jim had a stick because Piero insisted on him using his mushroom locating one!) we made our way to the refuge - that is what they call a cafe/restaurant/B&B on a mountain. Piero and Jim hiked along to a farther refuge and Gloria and I took refuge in the refuge beside a window from which we could view the dramatic scenery (reminiscent of the Rockies). Jim was really appreciative of not having to negotiate the twists and turns of the mountain as Piero was chauffeur but I noticed that, in fact, he seemed to think he was driving and had his eyes fixed forward as if he had to concentrate fully on keeping to the road rather than enjoying what was to be seen on left and on right and in all directions!

The refuge where Jim and Piero ate

During the journey home I think Gloria and I did quite a bit of sleeping but Jim got some photos.

We stopped off in Cortina - G and P said we were going to watch rich people eating cake!

The only picture we have of Gloria, Fionnuala and Piero together!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves - I think the Wicked Stepmother is up to no good!

On arriving in Rovigo we finally had a chance to have a look at the town which I thought was very nice but Gloria, born and bred there, had little enthusiasm for.

Garibaldi from both sides because there are 2 sides to every biscuit!












The square was filled with people and there was very loud music and a big screen because they were announcing the rugby players for the year. Not my scene I'm afraid and I was relieved to retire to a quiet pub for an aperitif. Light supper followed and early to bed in anticipation of an early rise to get to Trieste in the morning.