Sunday July 14, Dobbiaco

July 14, 2019

Sunday July 14, Dobbiaco

Our view tonight with the sun setting on the tips of the
Dolomites. Spectacular

Destination today was the Dolomites, the great sawtooth mountains in the north of Italy. When we came through this area over two months ago it was just too cold and wet. The only downside now is we are battling the holiday season and this is a very popular destination.

The first section was on the SS38 through to Merano and the traffic was extremely heavy, with single lane both ways. It got down to a crawl at times. This is Sunday driving I guess. Finally got onto a double laned road through to Bolzano and then onto the Autostrada north. The traffic was unbelievably heavy. We thought we would stop at a motorway rest area for a late coffee but no such luck, they were full of trucks parked up…suspect that they have to be off the road on Sunday afternoons.

But the scenery is wonderful, travelling through huge valleys, apple orchards with vineyards higher up on the slopes and lots of little villages dotted up amongst the trees, usually with a church steeple overlooking them.

Turned off just north of Brixen onto the E66 and finally found a place to take a break. The traffic coming towards us was bumper to bumper, hopefully the weekenders are leaving! Yesterday we got talking to a German cyclist who said how wonderful the cycle paths were up in this valley, and have heard about it also from others. Did some research and decided that Dobbiaco was a good place to base ourselves for a few days. The only place we could find to stay was a large campground at €44 a night (ouch), but the place was full. Then she said they had a few sites just outside the camp that we could have for half the price. Job done and actually far happier here than in the close confines of the camp.

After a late lunch and a good break we got the bikes out and headed off for a ride. By the amount of cyclists around, this really is a cycling destination. From road cyclists, to mountain bikers to lots of families out riding. It was great to be part of it and so enjoyed the ride. The paths are extremely well signposted with cycle lanes well marked. We are at over 1200 metres tonight and forecast is for 8 degrees tonight….great for sleeping.

PS….What an evening, we had the NZ Herald on line as we ate our dinner and read of the incredible results from the Cricket World Cup Final in UK. What a cliff hanger. So proud of our boys even though the result didn’t end up in their favour. And had to keep popping out with my camera as the mountain tops were catching the last of the sun.