Page 31 - 2013 AMA Spring

of the trip, although the day ended with a long and slow ascent to Rif Coldai.
The remainder of the group took a less challenging route but still climbed the same ascent to the Rifugio as the first group during which Maj Paul Green nearly stepped on a black adder which was sunning itself on a wide track. “It looked like a piece of old bicycle inner tube” he said in explanation, jumping out of his skin.
he next day was an early start as the walk combined two stages from the Cicerone guide book, ‘Trekking in the Dolomites’ into a long walking day of 20km. The first stage to Rif Vazollar was easy going and was only marred by overcast skies and mist in the morn- ing that sadly obscured some of the best views. The second stage began with a steady descent on a gravel track followed by some steep climbs, over scree fields and along very narrow paths across two cols. On a steep section, cables had been fixed into the sides of a rock wall but this presented no difficulties for the group. It would have been difficult to get any closer to the rock face and soaring rock walls. Rifugio Carestiato was almost brand new.
The penultimate day was another long two stage walking day of over 18km over some challenging terrain, with some scrambling and a knee shattering descent, under overcast skies. The first stage was straightforward to Rif Pramperet, walking along a road, and up through woodland. The second stage was significantly tougher with a long climb up a rocky path and over limestone slaps. Here the expedition leader encountered another, much larger, col- ourful and agitated viper who slithered away slowly hissing loudly.
The final climb involved some scrambling on a narrow ridge at For- cella de Zita Sud. A steep descent then zigzagged to the rifugio and to a much welcomed rest for the knees and where Capt Danny Smith our physio was kept busy. The accommodation at the Rifu- gio was a two-floor converted barn; simple and clean but without hot water. Food and service was very good at Rif Pian de Fontana which stayed open for an additional day just for our group before closing for the year. September is regarded as being one of the better months for walking in the Dolomites when the skies are clear and the crowds have gone home and we pushed late into the sea- son at a time when some the the Rifugio are closing for the Winter.
The final leg of the expedition was a morning’s walk on an AV1 vari- ant (avoiding the long and treacherous via ferrate) down through a humid and damp cloud layer towards a main road and bus stop, at La Pissa. Unfortunately, the rain came obscuring any views and this walk became another knee crushing descent. An interesting section was a narrow path cut into a cliff face with a vertical drop on the open side.
After an hour’s wait on the main road for the public bus to Belluno railway station and after several slick connections on the cheap and efficient Italian railways, we reached Venice Mestre railway station. After a short walk through the seedier part of town we reached the hotel Alle Lagune, in a quiet residential part of town. This proved to be a Godsend as it was convenient for Venice for RnR and for catching an airport bus to Marco Polo Airport for the easyJet flight home.
Overall, we had excellent trip without major incident. The whole group were able to complete the route though easier variations needed to be found for some.
Planning is now underway for next year’s trip which is likely to be the route Chamonix to Zermatt but it will not be too long before the Unit returns to complete either AV2 or AV3 but this time during the first two weeks of September.
Thanks must go to the AMA for their help with funding the expedi- tion without which it would not have been possible.
the Official Start of Av1 the hotel at Lago di Brais, seen from the peak of croda del Becco
On the Peak of croda del Becco L-r Maj raj nathwani, Maj Mark Judge, Lcpl Mike cattermole, Maj Paul Green to 3
the Descent from Forcella de Lago. L-r Maj Paul Green, cpl Mark Swan, Maj Kurian vithayathil, capt Antonella De rosa, Maj Ian helmrich
the cross of Piccolo Lagazuoi 2778m, the official high point
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