A journey through the Kingdom of Fanes - through forests, over deep ravines, across high alpine meadows and with a very close encounter with a thunder storm!
Having packed up our base camp in Cortina d'Aprezzo, we set off carrying small packs with sleeping bags and overnight gear for a stay at the Fanes Refugio. The weather was the usual warm and sunny morning, but we didn't linger as we made our way up to the hut. There were no storms forecast, but some drizzle was anticipated later in the day. We stopped for lunch at the idyllic Fanes Lago. In one direction was beautiful blue skies....
But up ahead a storm was certainly brewing! Gulp!
Before long, the thunder began to rumble, then shortly after we saw the first flash of lightning. Sheltering in the forest, we got our waterproofs on, just before the heavens opened. It was quite a worrying scenario, as we still had to cross an exposed col to reach the safety of the refugio. Either that, or turn around and make a long retreat back to the valley. As the intensity of the storm picked up, we took shelter among the trees, rather than move up to exposed ground. Counting the distance between lighting and thunder, indicated than the storm was passing, so we continued up a bit further and were relieved to see the cloud lift a bit and the downpour turn to drizzle. On the higher peaks, we could see fresh snow or hail had fallen.
Soon after, we crossed the col and a short distance later made it to the hut; damp, but otherwise unscathed! And what a hut! It has been recently renovated and had electric glass front doors! It's totally beautiful inside, with wooden floors and smart decor. More of a mountain hotel than a hut!! We weren't complaining though.
Because we are so close to Austria, I was surprised to find that the hut guardians speak German - luckily, from somewhere in the back of my brain, I was able to conjure up enough vocab to get us checked in, order dinner and check what time breakfast was. Rather surprised and somewhat pleased with myself for that actually. By the time dinner was ready, the clear skies were back.
After dinner we also took a short walk around the high meadow to check out the views and chat about the expedition.
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