Postcard from Timperley: Summer in the Alps - 2005 - Tuesday 16 August

Monday 8 February 2021

Summer in the Alps - 2005 - Tuesday 16 August - A Sorapiss Circuit

Fancy an apartment in Cortina? I wonder what this now looks like?

Tuesday 16 August - A Sorapiss Circuit (by Sue)

A cool morning and a high cloud covering, but the Co-op forecast was for a dry day. The Co-op provided sustenance, then Sue and I drove to Passo Tre Croci for a walking circuit in the Sorapiss group.

We set off at 10:40, along path 215, a lovely contouring path, with long views down the valley to the east.

The damp ground between the pines required caution due to the numerous tree roots. It was busy, so some overtaking had to be employed. Interest was created by a few wired rocky sections, and some ascent towards the refuge up metal staircases. Too much for some tourists who were resting by the path.

Rifugio Vandelli enjoyed a good view, and we were warmed by hot chocolates that had the consistency of mousse and needed a spoon to eat them! (12:00 to 12:25.)

The view from Rif Vandelli

We didn't linger, as our onward route might take some time. A little further on a small lake, Lago di Sorapiss, enticed a lot of people onto its shores. It was an ice blue colour.

Once past here we lost the crowds, except for two East Germans descending the scree that we were climbing.

At the top of the scree, a small patch of grass enclosed by rocks made a fine picnic spot (1:25 to 2:00) but it was cold enough (10°C) to wear a pertex and gloves.

From there the path entered a bowl of limestone, quite barren (path 215/242/AV3), then more scree.

At a path junction (2:40) we turned right along path 215, preparing to scramble up a long ramp, protected by wires in places. There were a few stemples too.

We climbed with burning calves and sore knees to a col (3:40 to 3:50) from which it was only a few steps to a summit at 2738 metres. (Sella di Punta Nera)

Dwarf Rampion

Views were stunning. The 3000 metre tops had their heads in cloud, but elsewhere it was clear - to the rest of the Sorapiss group and out to Tofana, Marmolada and beyond, as well as down to Cortina and the top of the Faloria cablecar. Only a chough for company.

Looking back to Lago di Sorapiss

Spot the Faloria cablecar

The view to Tofane

Path 215 contoured, descending slowly through a huge scree field, with several rock bands where hands were needed, bringing us out at Forcella Faloria at 2309 metres (4:50) with wooded prospects below. Here we saw about ten chamois far below us.

An apple and cheese break got us on our way along path 213, which undulated through grassy limestone scenery, before starting to drop through the pines.

The jeep track turned out to be a pleasant green one, and we strolled back to the car for 6:20. This had been a spectacular walk, for its varied scenery, stunning views, hot chocolates, and strenuous nature!

Note the splendid new green bowl!

Back at Camping Dolomiti the others had only returned 15 minutes earlier. We brewed, made dinner and showered afterwards. Our trial of spinach gnochetti was fairly successful despite Martin's description - 'otter's poo'.