Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Summer in the Alps - 2005 - Thursday 11 August - Travel to Corvara


                                Sassongher from near the Corvara campsite

Thursday 11 August - Travel to Corvara (by Sue) 

We were up soon after 7 am on a reasonable day weather-wise. Packing away took less time than anticipated and we realised at 8:15, when about to leave, that the reception didn't open until 9 o'clock. The restaurant provided coffee and a warm space for reading for three quarters of an hour! On settling our bill, we were given chocolate. 

Our objective was to travel to Corvara to set up camp, visiting Alleghe on the way to work out travel plans for the end of our forthcoming backpacking trip, then to collect Julia after 6 pm in Cortina. 

The journey was scenic, through Falcade, to Cencenighe, then north to Masare and Alleghe. At Masare we had a walk and worked out the time to descend from the last hut on our backpack, then we drove on to Alleghe where I shopped and Martin visited Tourist Information to get details of taxi firms and timings for the descent from the Tissi Hut. 

We continued on through Caprile and Arabba, to arrive at the campsite in Corvara at 12:10. Reception shut between 12 and 3! So in the warm sunshine we pitched two tents, admiring the location between the mountains, and the views to be had. Ate lunch and read, then walked to Colfosco and back along the forest track, where families were loitering by a small lake and people were reading on the benches. 

At 3 pm we booked in, then set off for Cortina via La Villa. Again, dramatic scenery, and place signs in three languages, including the local dialect. Crossed the Passo Valparola at 2192 metres, then Passo Falzarego, and into familiar territory. Ahead, the sky in the Cortina valley was dark grey. There had already been some rain and motorbikes were taking the bends gingerly. 

In Cortina we walked around the Camping Dolomiti campsite, to find probably only four or five free pitches. We will try to arrive early on Monday to secure a pitch. 

Then, a struggle to park near the bus station ~ 5:40 pm. Sat at a cafe for a cup of tea, watching a policeman directing traffic around the one way system. The pleasant sunshine wouldn't last. Cortina was full of people, some being entertained by a flautist outside the Co-op. We shopped, then sheltered from a storm, until it became necessary to go back to meet Julia. As we awaited the arrival of her bus, the heavens opened and rain bounced off the car park. 

Julia's journey had been wet from Venice, and we got wetter walking to the car. The rain stopped during the return drive. After installing Julia in the spare tent, we had a meal in a convivial restaurant (L'Tabladel) in Colfosco. A later bedtime than normal ~ 10:30 pm after returning in drizzle.

You can just about make out our 100 miles of driving by clicking on this overview map

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