that convinced him otherwise! I have stored 10 emails from Bill Marsh on his 'proposed' trip, but I think Lundy had more appeal - maybe next year? Other have been less circumspect and I think have enjoyed their visits and appreciated the new environment and home of a now fairly relaxed and laid back host!

Look forward to welcoming you

Balders (Mike Baldwin)
La Source, 38114 Villard Reculas, France
Tel: (0033) 476 80 30 32
Email: LaSource@compuserve.com

beautiful and spectacular mountains in the world.  There are as geysers frozen mid explosion into soaring vertical limestone of exquisite beauty. Here the home of 'Via Ferrata' is found.

The literal translation of 'Via Ferrata' is 'Iron Way' and it is an appropriately simple description. The 'Via Ferrata' consist of fixed cables, iron rungs, ladders, and gorge spanning bridges that assist ascents of vertical rock.

The climbing aids (wire ropes, ladders etc.) which have been fixed on difficult, sometimes vertical, and even overhanging rock enable even non-climbers to tackle routes that were formerly 'a little exposed / difficult'.  But one thing is for sure, you must be absolutely free from vertigo or dizziness, have a certain amount of mountain experience, including not only sure-footedness but also an awareness of Alpine dangers.

Via Ferrata are frequently demanding undertakings re

We sat there breathing the night air.  It felt so fresh, so clear. It was October, but it was not cold.  A week ago, in England, it would have been cold. But not now, here in the Dolomites, Italy. Tomorrow we would head to the Airport.  For now, Rachel & I just wanted to reflect on the week, with help from a little wine.  We'd just spent a fantastic week on the Via Ferrata.

On the HMC trip to Ailefroid, Ecrin Alps, last August; I discovered 'Via Ferrata' for the first time. On an easy route near Vigneaux de Casse I was to be converted (despite losing my car keys the day before we were due to return to the UK!) . I decided upon my return home to organise an exploratory trip to home of 'Via Ferrata', the Italian Dolomites. 

The weekend after my return I met up with Rachel for a drink and the plans were set.  It would be a week in October, a self-catering apartment, on the Italian / Austrian border. Only enough gear to fit in a single day sack each would be taken. We would fly out and travel light. So at 3.00pm on Friday 1st October we flew out for a week of unadulterated pleasure. As a result I may organise a HMC trip back out there in Summer 2000 - if there is sufficient interest.

The Italian Dolomites are undoubtedly amongst the most

The first route we decided to tackle was a high level traverse with protection where needed.  It was graded a. the easiest grade - so would make for a gentle introduction and allows us to acclimatise on our first day.  The route takes in Ciampac 2147m - Sella Brunec 2428m - Forcia Neigra 2530m - Sasso Bianco 2431m.

We headed up early through flowery Alpine Meadows, crossed over winter ski pistes, and upto Sella Brunec in just under an hour. From here the beauty and majesty of the Dolomites made a grab for the soul. They reminded me of my time in Patagonia, Chile, the year before. This time the scene was less wild, harsh, or overpowering.  The first rays of sunrise pieced the sky and lit the peaks, leaving the valleys in shade.  The world seemed a different strangely beautiful place.

The route continued along a path that switched back and forth across a narrow ridge.  In places it was airy and all