Stuck in Bolzano

I'm not quite ready to call it a blessing in disguise, but this little turn that my trip has taken as a result of my bum bike definitely had its moments today. From the base of the Dolomites, I undertook what was initially going to be a 2 hour hike up into the mountains. I packed accordingly: some bread, plenty of nutella, and an apple. I wore running shoes, shorts and a t-shirt. It was a high of 80 degrees today and mostly sunny. Pretty much perfect...at least down at the campsite.

So off I went, undertaking what ultimately turned into a 5 mile up/5 mile down hike, temperatures at the "summit" a balmy 40 degrees...and windy. Needless to say, the food didn't last long and I had to battle my way back down to my tent, rolling ankles along the way, and trying my best not to lose it. Thankfully,  I made it down in one piece and have since stuffed my face with pizza and a beer...happy boy.

The views were unbelievable, especially after passing onto the northeast side of the mountain where they changed from distant Alps to less distant Dolomites. The photos of the more rocky looking peaks are the Dolomites...

Enjoy!

INNSBRUCK TO BOLZANO

En route, literally, from Innsbruck to Bolzano

My humble, very humble abode

Mountain roads...switchbacks and hairpins

At a crossroads, about to get on the Costalunga Pass...5 minutes before breakdown

The photo that broke the camels back..."HER" called it quits about 10 seconds later

THE HIKE...

 Halfway up, looking back down the valley towards Bolzano

My new buddy, creepy little dude

The trail...serious views and serious drop-offs

 The Dolomites!

Tough pose pic today...at the very least, proof that I am "who" and "where" I say I am...

Schedule:
Early wake up tomorrow to go make sure the mechanics are fixing HER instead of sitting around drinking coffee and talking soccer. Then hopefully a swift trip to Lake Como!