19/08/08 - How many superlatives to describe the Dolomites.

Continuing alone the Drau valley, it was time to say goodbye to
Austria and head into Italy. With the already impressive Dolomites
towering above us, our first town was that of Toblach, where we were
finally able to spent some time on the internet and catch up on all
New Zealand's Olympic stories, and send our blog stories.

With that out of the way, it was up a side valley where we stopped by
a small lake to take a decent look at the numerous pinnacle rocks
jutting out all over the place, and have a long overdue (according to
Marea) wash in the lake.

However before we could leave the van, we were approached by a very
friendly policeman who - due to our UK registered van wanted to check
on all our details, van documents and our planned travel whilst in
Italy. Considering we didn't really have a plan, he seemed quite
envious of our holiday. He gave us a few hints on where we should go
and sent us on our way.

A freezing cold swim later and walk round the lake we continued on
through Cortina d' Ampezzo and up, up, up to the mountain pass Passo
Vaporola - sitting at 2,199m above sea level (they get it exact round
here don't they!!).

The whole drive was interrupted with frequent stops to take in the
unbelievable views of the rocky outcrops above us. It was near the
top that we started looking for a quiet hidden spot to park up. We
thought we may have trouble finding legal camping spot, as the signs
all the way up were definitely not campervan friendly. However, like
an oasis coming over the horizon, right at the top of the pass was a
large car park with about 10 campervans dotted all around, and no
signs to say they couldn't be there!! We claimed our spot, and stared
gobsmacked up to the last of the sun lighting up the rocky peaks and
sheer cliffs. It was a stunning sight!!

Keen to make the most of remaining daylight, I headed up to the summit
of the peak next to us - called Sasso di Stria. Part way up the rocky
slope, a series of trenches started to appear. First thought was that
they were naturally cut by the numerous people walking all over the
mountain over the years. But that couldn't be possible as the whole
place was just hard rock. They had to be war time trenches. Further
and further up the trenches turned into a complete maze that I managed
to get lost in a few times before finally making it to the top, where
apart from an amazing view, there was a cross and a plaque with the
date 18 October 1915. As we were to find out tomorrow, this was the
front line of the Austrian-Hungary troops as they defended their
empire against the Italians in WW1.