Follow the Nose

June 9, 2025

Strudel, anyone?

We have another rest day today, off the bikes that is. So we set our sights in a walk up the mountain side to a hütte for lunch, and we were certain it would involve strudel, yet again. We followed the same trail I walked two days ago, but continued up for another 150m or so of elevation.

The light for photographing the mountains seems to be best in the morning, so David went out before breakfast and took a few shots.

Morning mountain image, part of the Sellaronda group. The Gardena pass is visible in the lower right of this image.

Morning mountain picture, looking east towards Val Gardena. Sas Clampac, perhaps?

This wooden bike is a landmark here in Corvara so we would be remiss if we didn’t include it. We have seen a steady stream of cyclist having photos taken in front of it.

Big bike, at least 8’ high, advertising another cycling event of Corvara, the Maratona.

And, Sellaronda Day is a big event for Corvara. Just had to include this sign advertising it. The next one happens in early September, if you’re considering it in your future.

We set off for the hike and, once again, I just had to capture some flower pictures, from the mundane to the rare.

Pops of white daisies, so pretty in the shady alpine forest.

Yes, it’s a dandelion. But these are the prettiest dandelions I have ever seen. And, they are huge.

We had perfect weather for a hike. Blue skies and temps around 14-18 degrees.

Shrubby milkwort of the Polygaloides family.

A much nicer photo of the shrubby milkwort.

Mountain valerian, or Valeriana montana.

Couldn’t help notice the erosion on the banks of this creek. There was an enormous torrent of water passing through here recently.

The ungulates had moved over one pasture today. The guard dogs were a little more docile, fixated on their duty to the sheep and goats.

A proud warrior of the flock, on the lookout for wolves.

Don’t know why, but it makes me smile seeing a goat looking this relaxed… conked out while its friends chatter on.

As we gained elevation, we had this gorgeous view of the Colfosco church.

The meadows go on and on. Happy place for bees and birds.

Birds-eye speedwell, or Veronica chamaedrys.

We passed by a number of homes with adjoining barns. Cows are way up in the high meadows right now.

This picture captures a particular style of joinery, here in the side of an old barn.

A stream, gushing with crystal clear water. We spotted deer off in the distance in the meadow.

We spent some time watching this family of horses. They are so beautiful and are a type that characteristic of this region of Alta Badia. The foals were very young and were trying out their new legs, then back for another suckle from mom.

Two of a large family of spirited horses in the upper meadow. There were 3 foals and 5 adults in the group.

Upper reaches of the ski area, with a rocky riverbed to minimize erosion.

Marmot, a big healthy one, basking on the boulders, whistling to its friends.

We eventually reached the Eidelweiss Hütte. We had met up with a British couple on the way up the hill and we enjoyed the conversation so much, we joined them for lunch on the outside deck.

The Eidelweiss Hütte, where we stopped for lunch, 200m above Corvara.

New friends from the Lakes District, we met en-route to lunch. We talked for a good two hours and could have kept on going. An amazing couple in so many ways. We had many common interests!

We eventually peeled ourselves from the bench, said our good-byes and headed back down the hill. They continued up a bit further so they could take a trail through the forest back down to Colfosco.

Potentilla species. There are so many look-alikes, no further id.

Birds-eye primrose, or Primula farinosa.

Daisies. These ones are about 4-5” tall, not the diminutive ones that grow in our lawns and parks.

It was yet another experience we won’t forget. The mountains feel so much like home, a place we could spend much more time.

We had a bit of time to clean up and get prepared for our departure tomorrow. Then it was off to a different pizzeria for dinner. This one was the best of the trip. Just amazing, Napoli style pizza. We finished off with an affogato each.

The best pizza of the trip, as close to Napoli style as you could get. Kudos to the chef.

Favourite dessert, after strudel? Affogato.

Affogato wasn’t on the menu so we asked for it and they obliged. Yummmmmmy!

Onwards and upwards tomorrow as we head west from here. Morse Dolomite adventures to come.

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Patty BarronThose meadows are just breathtaking. And the abundance & varieties of the flowers in bloom is just mind-boggling. Your photos do them all justice.
After perusing it all, it made me want to yodel 🎵! Especially after seeing the beautiful faces of the bovines.
Another great armchair voyage, thanks to you both.
May your happy trails continue at pace, & in good health.
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3 days ago

Anne AnastasiouWhat a glorious day, with all the right ingredients! 🥰
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3 days ago

Anne MathersTo Patty BarronThanks for your thoughtful comments, Patty. I feel like you’re here with us. We had another fantastic adventure today, which I will describe as ‘rock and roll’. We are still standing and happy as clams.
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2 days ago

Anne MathersTo Anne AnastasiouYou are so right! Pure delight.
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2 days ago