Friday, August 14th
Refugio Averau to Refugio Croda da Lago
1,500’ vertical
6.5 miles
It’s 4pm on Friday, August 14th. I’m resting in the bottom bunk of my 6-bed dormitory in Refugio Croda da Lago. I’m starting to really like this 1-2 hr window in the late afternoon each day - to just rest/chill. It’s the first time I can just have time to myself and let the mind relax.
Today was another great day - completing our hike at 12noon. Tomorrow we’re in for a much longer day - so it’s nice to get off the feet early today.
Our Refugio tonight has a great location on a lake. Tons of people were laying by the water all afternoon - it’s a really popular spot for day hikers as well. The Refugio itself reminds me of an old farmhouse. It’s much older than any place we’ve stayed in to date - with very tiny rooms and bathrooms - with 1 shower that can barely fit an average size person.
The day started with a 7am breakfast. I’ve been eating yogurt with granola each morning - I spiced it up with a banana today. I also had some turkey, cheese, and toast/jam. We were on trail by 7:45am. The first part of the day involved a 2,500’ descent over 3-4 miles. We passed by Cinque Torri- a unique rock formation with a ton of history. The morning walk included some road walking and then single-track through the woods. The scenery early today was much different - as we were in the trees - which offered a much cooler start to the day.
The afternoon involved a 1,300’ climb - in about 2-3 miles to our final destination. The ascent had some really steep sections, but overall, it wasn’t too bad. Once we arrived at the Refugio - we got checked in to our room - and then grabbed some lunch/drinks. We chatted with 2 local couples from Italy that were able to give us some great insight into our next few hiking days. It’s always great to hear excitement from locals for what you’re doing. They pumped us up for the days to come.
After lunch - we chilled by the water and then walked a loop around the lake - maybe a 1/2 mile. By this time it was about 3:30pm. I grabbed a shower - which brings me up to date.
Dinner tonight is at 7pm. We’re planning to head down for some drinks about 6pm. I’ll check in later.
10pm - back in the room. I talk a lot in this blog about scenery and hikes and places I visit - but, you want to know why I like traveling so much — it’s the experience I just had the past 4 hours - that’s why I like traveling so much!
So - Greg and I went to the outside patio around 5:30pm. We were joined by a couple from New Zealand we had met a couple days ago. We proceeded to chat/laugh over some drinks for 1-1/2 hours before dinner - exchanging stories/tales. Then - we went into the dining room a little early (6:45pm) and chatted with a couple from the US (from Charlotte, NC). They are big adventurers and have done many of the same trips as Greg and I. They are actually staying in our dorm room (When we just got back up to the room - they were sitting together on their bed looking through trip options to Patagonia - they said we inspired their next trip.) After that interaction before dinner, we were joined at our dinner table by a couple from Belgium and their daughter who currently lives in Germany We had such a good time talking - we were the last table in the dining area to leave. So - in the span of 4 hours - we exchanged stories and inspirations with people from New Zealand, the USA, Belgium, and Germany. I really love this. I learn so much from talking with others from around the world. It’s inspiring, meaningful, educational, and motivating all at the same time.
I’m going to sleep tonight with my tank at full - full of gratitude and full of thankfulness to have the ability to travel - and meet others that inspire me to be a better person.
Check out the band Layup - pull up the song: “Who you share it with”. Good night from the Dolomites!!
No comments:
Post a Comment