Via Ferratas in the Dolomites.

 

Last week I took some leave and went with three friends to the Dolomites intending to climb some via ferratas.   Basically, a via ferrata is a steel cable that is fixed periodically along a steep rock route. Climbers can secure themselves to the cable, limiting any fall. 

We stayed in huts high on the mountains.  These are less a garden shed and more like very basic small hotels and they are very good. 

When we arrived, we found rather more snow in some places than we expected so we had to fall back onto plan B at times.  

The first climb we went up and returned on the same via ferrata. The second climb we had planned to go up and along a ridge-line but there was too much snow.  As we had not taken our winter kit with us, we just hopped off part way, went around to the other side and back down.  It’s better to have a plan B rather than drive on with a fixed idea that is not doable for some reason.  On the third route when we got above 3000 m we found a lot of snow again on the northern slope so we modified our return route.

We saw few people because it was early in the season and because of the snow.  But we did come across one group that stuck rigidly to their plan for the day.  We arrived back at the hut at 6 p.m. in time for a beer and a meal.  They returned after midnight having had a bit of an epic and only getting 50 m further.

Always have a plan B.

It was a good trip with great days on the mountains.  The views were stunning; the people were friendly; the food was good and the beer was excellent.

Unfortunately I returned from the Dolomites with Lyme disease.  Lyme disease can be transmitted by ticks. I must have had hundreds if not thousands of tick bites in the UK and abroad and this is the first time I've reacted. If you’re bitten, you may develop redness around the bite followed by flu-like symptoms.   You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have contracted an illness related to the bites because early antibiotics are essential to avoid prolonged infection.

Daisy here.  

Jan’s parents came to look after me.  They’re really nice.  ‘Pigs’ ears are the best thing in the world. (Available from all good pet stores)