Because we were going to be in Italy we decided to bookend our trip with a day in Venice. Active Adventures picked us up at the Marco Polo Airport and within two and one half hours we were transported to San Cassiano. The juxtaposition of the urban to the pastoral was a shock to the senses.
It was not hard to make the transition though. Right away we were immersed in our new surroundings. On the very first day, jet-lagged and reeling we were hiking in the rolling hills of San Cassiano.
The first days of the trip used the hotel in San Cassiano as a base of operations. We trekked to Santa Croce through the beautiful countryside to a Refugio that used to be a Monastery. By chance, a choir was giving a concert in the chapel and we were treated to an event that may not have been scheduled, but was one of those special occasions that you have to relish when it happens.
The next day we visited the tunnels of Lagazuoi, a monument to the stupidity of war, but an adventure that should not be missed. Deep in the heart of the mountain, in dark tunnels it was not hard to imagine the suffering of the soldiers.
Afterwards we split into two groups. One group would continue hiking while the other group would participate in a via ferratta. I went on the via ferratta and topped out on Mount Averau. I beheld a 360 degree view that was breathtaking. A via ferratta is not for everyone, but I found the challenge exhilarating.
Today we are beginning our trek through the Dolomites, a grand mountain range of solid limestone. Geologically speaking they were once the floor of an ancient sea. We hiked from Refugio to Refugio. These were like small hostels complete with showers and five course meals. This is the most civilized hiking I have ever done. Everyday we would traverse the most exquisite scenery only to stop for cappuccino and cake before continuing on to our lodgings and then taking an afternoon exploration hike. A great way to spend the day. After three days and two nights it was hard to leave the back country for the Cortina’s hustle and bustle.
Cortina is the gem of this area. Once the venue for the winter Olympics it has taken on the mantle of the Aspen of Italy. From here we took a magnificent mountain bike ride to Dobbiaco. The next day we circumnavigated Cime de Lavaredo. This was a fitting culmination to our adventure.
I cannot say enough about the guides; they were excellent. They kept us busy, motivated and with a good laugh now and then. A bit of humor takes the edge off some of those days that take a toll.
It is hard to explain an Active Adventure. You would never be able to accomplish such a complicated itinerary on your own . They take care of all the logistics, and the activities are not easy but they are within the capabilities of anyone with a reasonable level of physical fitness. But there is an extra component of camaraderie that is brought to bear that creates an unforgettable moment in time.

| January 1970