July 14, 2005

Word of the Day
fame: 1: hunger 2: What JenFu is feeling about more climb…more wine.

Real rock. Dolomite limestone is simply incredible…incredibly slippery and scary. Today we learned a new definition for run-out as well. Though the climb was moderate in difficulty, the lack of protection was wild. On a given 40 meter pitch, there were perhaps one or two protection bolts. That’s not a major problem. It just takes a little bit of recalibration.

The day started with a little bit of sleeping in. Not as bad as the first day but still enough to put a little kick in our steps on the climb. More about that later.

Breakfast was ultimately found at a roadside café at the Passo Falzarego. One can always count on a good cup of espresso but not necessarily a warm breakfast. The panino was not bad, though the prosciutto did look like ham…even after the waitress told me they only had chicken. I need to work on my Italian.

We climbed the South Rib (Cobertaldo/Pezzotti) of the Hexenstein today. It was a wonderfully exciting climb, even for the mild grade (UIAA IV+). It was 150 meters high and I was originally concerned about the party of nine ahead of us. I should have known after to told us that they were from Austria that it would be us trying to catch up to them.

And just a footnote...here is some required gear for the route.

I must say, I thought the views were gorgeous from the road. I was struck speechless as we climbed higher. As we reached each new elevation, more of the amazing landscape revealed itself. It was definitely nothing that I had seen before.

Corinne lead pitches one and part of three as well as pitch 4. I was charged with the balance. The most amazing things was the lack of “need” for all of the traditional protection gear that we had brought because there was no place to put it!

There, at the summit was a large cross to welcome me. I could find no belay anchor at the top until an Austrian hiker suggested that I secure myself to the cross. I stated that I felt guilty using the symbol as an anchor. He responded, “It is there, perhaps, to save your life.” I paused for a moment to consider the implications of such a statement; But, then I slung it, anchored in and shouted, “Off Belay!” I’ll leave such heavy mediations for another time.

The descent was quite interesting. Though a series of miscommunications, Corinne’s comfortable approach shoes were sitting at the base of the climb. The one hour hike down could not have been pleasant but to her credit, she took it in stride…literally.

And, during the stroll down, we came across a local...

One of the highlights of the day must have been the surprisingly terrific pizza and calzones at the campground café. I would have never expected such an offering. Then again, I’ve never been to Italy either. The five Euro carafe of red wine didn’t hurt the situation.

It’s time for an early bedtime for we have a big day in the mountains tomorrow. The wine has nothing to do with it!