Summer in the Alps - 2005 - Sunday 7 August - Gohren to Bellamonte

Sunday 7 August - Gohren to Bellamonte (by Sue) 

There was heavy rain in the early morning that stopped before we emerged from the tent. Struck camp, showered and left at 9:20 am. The weather looked black and foreboding ahead and proved to be just so. 

We entered Austria in Bregenz and journeyed south to Feldkirch through a fairly industrial valley, with steep wooded hills to the east. Turning east towards St Anton, we entered the Alps, and more rain. Stopped for coffee around 10:30 in a warm restaurant adorned with witches. The temperature outside was around 9°C, and it was not the weather to be in shorts. 

As we climbed, the snow level was only a few hundred metres above - distinctly uninviting! A 10 km tunnel ensured that we missed St Anton, and continued on to Landeck. Now another climb to the Passo di Resia, where we finally entered Italy.

The mountain view from near St Anton

Just after the pass, the weather brightened up, but not sufficiently to picnic outside the car. Our beer supply, nicely cooled in the fridge, was a less than appetizing prospect! In the warmth of the car we enjoyed rolls brought at a service station, then continued. 

The descent was lovely, an open valley and green hills. The road to Merano was distinctive due to its castles, and orchards supplying fruit stalls that had been set up at the roadside. 

At a petrol and tea stop in Merano, we considered options for camping. A call to the campsite in Molveno proved they were full. So, beyond Bolzano, we headed up the SS48 towards Cavalese, on the hunt for a campsite. The road was full of hairpins to start with, and we seemed to drive for miles. However we were now deep in the Dolomites - where we wanted to be. Turning off the SS48 at Predazzo, we were encouraged by signs to campsites. As the first was full, we are now installed in Bellamonte, at 1350 metres, in the centre of some nice mountains.

Bellamonte

To get some exercise after another day (230 miles) in the car, we walked 3 kilometres to Restaurant El Zirmo. Here, there was a nice view and a traditional meal of stew, mushrooms, polenta and cheese. The walk back was a bit hairy as we had to go round a hairpin bend with no pavements in the dark. We survived that and adjourned to bed around 10 pm. It is cool but quiet.

Try to work out our route - Google Earth (top); Viewranger (below) click on the image for a better view

Notes from Martin:
Low snow line after recent storms. Good not to be walking high today.
A text message from Richard informs us of an England victory ('just') over the Aussies in the second test!

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