mac and johanna's bike tripjoh: A day in Cortina D'Ampezzo 9-17-16

September 17, 2016
Cortina D’Ampezzo

On Saturday morning, we woke up to the sound of Johanna saying, “Shit, its raining!” This led to much consternation on what we should do for the day. The weather was predicted to break around10:00 so we decided to have breakfast and wait it out a little. Everything is better after a few cups of espresso coffee and a croissant or two.

The weather cleared but we learned that the bus was no longer available to the tram to the Cinque Torri. It was closed for the season. Then we discovered the Funivia Faloria which was another tram that went up to the Faloria Mietres Cristallo ski area right from town. How great is that to be able to take a tram to the ski area right from your hotel?!

For someone who is not afraid of heights, this ride was a little scary. The ground was thousands of meters below as we crossed a deep gorge and then climbed up the face of a massive rock cliff to reach the upper station. The hiking up to the upper ski slopes opened up views of the surrounding peaks of the Dolomite range, all with a fresh coat of snow. Mt. Cristallo was the highest peak at 3221m.

We had minestrone and pasta at the restaurant in the lodge and then decided to walk down from the mid station. The mountain side was littered with hiking trails but we soon found the one that would lead right to downtown. This was a great hiking trail through the beautiful forest with the sun finally making its appearance for the day.

The church was calling so we went inside to learn a little more of its history and the history of the Baroque and Rococo architecture. We recognized one scene in a beautiful frescoe of King Soloman and the two mothers.

We wanted to dine at the same restaurant that night because the food was so good. Johanna had been mentioning Rick and Linda Chitwood who were scheduled to be in Cortina earlier in the week. The restaurant was packed and just as we entered, Linda came running up to hug Johanna in surprised delight. It turns out they had to change their hiking plans because many of the huts today are booked by people having their luggage transported for them. We had a wonderful evening with them and shared each other’s adventures.

Tomorrow, we hope to make it to Lienz which would be 85 km, an ambitious goal especially since we have to climb back up the Cimabanche Pass but we are stud muffins!