The Mighty Dolomites

My first day of hiking in the Dolomites was an unforgettable adventure with my brother and my dad. The day promised a challenge, and it certainly delivered with a demanding 3,000 feet of elevation gain over six hours of hiking. As we laced up our boots and set off, the crisp morning air was invigorating, and the stunning scenery around us set the tone for an exciting day. Our four start hotel was hard to leave but we were excited for the adventure. Emily, mom, Pamela, and Bowie stayed behind for some adventures of their own. 

The hike began with a mildly strenuous ascent, winding through lush alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and surrounded by towering peaks. This was reminiscent of Torres del Pain in Chile. The initial climb warmed us up and allowed us to find our rhythm, as we chatted and admired the breathtaking views.

As we approached the middle section of our hike, the terrain became significantly more challenging. We had the option of an easy track with a chair lift (most went that route) or climbing the steep and jagged mountain ridge.  Ben had the best comment of the hike at this moment, “we take it easy when you retire, dad!” (an inside family joke).  It was that arduous climb that tested our endurance and resolve. Each step required careful navigation over rocky outcrops and loose scree, making this the toughest part of our journey. Despite the physical exertion, the sense of accomplishment as we reached the top was exhilarating. Standing on the ridge, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Dolomites, their rugged beauty stretching as far as the eye could see.

After conquering the ridge, the trail gradually descended, offering a much-needed respite from the earlier intensity. The several miles of downhill hiking allowed us to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. We even stopped by a mountain lake for a brief lunch. The path meandered through dense forests and across gentle streams, with the soft sounds of nature providing a soothing backdrop. We took our time, savoring the tranquility and reflecting on the day’s achievements.

Hiking with Ben and Dad made the experience even more special. We shared stories, encouraged each other during the tough sections, and celebrated our small victories along the way. By the time we returned to our starting point, we were tired but deeply satisfied. Ending at another resort we had victory beers and caught a ride back to our hotel. We met up with our better halves and had some fun pool time with Bowie for the rest of the afternoon. 

We closed our evening with a wholesome family dinner at a nearby restaurant. Bowie passed out on the way there and we had an entire lovely meal with her asleep in a nook at the table. Good wine, good food, and family all reaching across the table and snagging morsels off each other’s plates. We laughed and shared stories about our day. After dinner we returned for a good night of sleep before setting out tomorrow.