VF Ettore Bovero - Col Rosa

Today, our big adventure... Heading round into the central Dolomites to enjoy a Via Ferrata that I'd done before, but Liz hadn't, about 10 years ago. 

It was going to be a long journey and a decent outing so we set off at 6am.  Perfect timing for a Dolomiti sunrise. 

Special. Spectacular. Awesome. Incredible. Amazing. Tremendous.

None of those words quite do justice to the amber glow of the sun splashing the towering rock spires as we drove up the valley. It was already bringing back some fine memories.

I couldn't, however, remember any of the route I'd planned before we started but knew a 3b always felt good value... Airy and a bit steep in places but never too far from a resting point. And it was perfect. I started remembering bits of the walk-in but only remembered the route as we started an airy traverse that Rich has a photo of me on. Liz reckoned I couldn't remember the start of the route because I'd blanked it out! It was, as the guidebook said, 'a bit strenuous' but never quite too much. It was actually frosty as we scrambled up to the start point but the route was generally in the full sun and in great condition. We loved it!

Like on Sharp Edge the other week, I made a point of stopping to just take in the surroundings. They were truly spectacular with a decent dusting of snow on the higher peaks and beautiful wisps of cloud drifting around the spires.

We were first on the route but met a few parties as we sat on the top taking in the views, reluctant to go down. 

After an hour and a half zigzagging down and two coffees later, we made a smooth 2 1/2 hour journey home before heading out for some fine local Italian cuisine at Mario's; rabbit and polenta for me which was delicious. 

Everyone knows everyone and the couple near us happened to be the cousin of the lady whose apartment we're staying in, Linda and Aldo. We had a really good evening chatting to them and now also have a great recommendation for an outing tomorrow.

But first, a good night's sleep and a long lie in (if I can ignore the cockerel from 3.50am and the all night church bell!)