For the rest of the holiday we embarked on a 3-day continuous trip linking a number of via ferrata, mountains and valleys. The weather was excellent, couldn't have been better.  For the most part we had the mountains to ourselves. . When we did encounter the locals they were a bit faster at it than us and frequently overtook - regardless of the position we were in! Perhaps you don't savour an experience at much as you should when it is freely available in plentiful quantity.  We were savouring, and it almost got into trouble a few times - we were taking too long and the days were getting shorter.  We had 10m of rope, and some slings which we'd occasionally use on the more difficult sections.  Whenever I went first the pace was a little fast so Rachel nearly always went first and I'd follow.

The accommodation worked out at about £10 per night and I don't think we had a bad meal the whole week.  The return flight was £80 each, including taxes. So if you fancy something a little different and definitely exciting that you can't do in the UK, in an Alpine setting, ask me about a HMC trip to the Dolomites next summer. You won't regret it.

Phil

at once the breath was taken away by the scenery, the exposure, and the altitude. Soon we reached a grassy Col and rearing up ahead was a mass of dark volcanic dolomite rock. Moving to the south side we descended a little, and using the wire rope to protect us, traversed the rock, enjoyed the exposure (nothing between our bottoms and the valley thousands of feet below), to the valley below.

Sass de Bianco in the distance came into view.  A chunky rock ridge with wide caverns, which formed part of the Austrian Defence System of the First World War.  Descending through more meadowland, it was hard to believe 24 hours ago I was still at work. 

After an easy ascent we found ourselves in the former battlements. We stopped for a little bit to eat, and tried to imagine this place 85 or so years before, but it was difficult. The peace, quiet, and utter beauty of the location. How did the soldiers feel up here, protecting their homeland, amongst their beloved mountains?

From here it was possible to step through some hollowed out caverns from one side of the ridge to the other. Not long after we reached the highest of the peaks on the North Side. The Refugio Passo San Nicolo was reached soon after.

The route then continued easily crossing a few more summits before joining the Lino Pederiva path near Sasso Bianco. From here we returned to Ciampac via a pleasant and easy path.  The whole route took about 6 hours and at no point was difficult, just exposed in places.

Over the next couple of days we gradually increased the difficulty of the routes we used. We encountered a great variety of terrains and knew we'd had some exercise at the end of the day. Where would we be without bubble bath and massage?

Anne Peden had a slight mishap whilst on the HMC Ailefroid trip.

Fortunately she was alright with no broken bones.

Article in next edition (hopefully)