Chris & Kelly's Travel Adventures

Today was a guided tour along the Western Dolomite Mountains.  Our 1st stop was this lake "Lago di Carezza".  I couldn't resist the early morning mirrored image of the mountains and lake.

I confess I did not take this photo, but I wanted to show any future Italian travelers what it is like to travel in this region.  In Bolzano we started at 860 ft. and after hours and very twisty narrow roads (including 27 switchbacks) we reached a summit of over 7,000 ft.  If you suffer from motion sickness (you know who you are...) this part of Italy is not for you! We traveled on a road barely wide enough for 2 compact cars- too few guard rails, yet vehicles of all sizes traveled this road both directions...tourist buses, vans, cars, motorcycles who have too little patience and too much confidence and many many cyclists who are testing their endurance and LUCK.  Buddy you are an optimist has a whole new meaning here! 

Corvara is one of many small towns in the Gardena Valley.  Quite a view.

This is one of many photo's Chris took.  This shows one of the many hiking trails to access the Dolomites on foot. (There are many hikers every summer who do this...not me, but many)

This is the town of Ortisei, the lowest in altitudes within the Gardena Valley.  We stopped near this flower bridge (Sandy this photo is for you) to have a bite of lunch and sample their version of an apple fritter!  You may not tell from the photo, they cut an apple ring from a tart apple and cover in batter, then deep fry and cover with cinnamon & sugar and serve with a vanilla sauce.  Not low in calories, but our taste buds did not care. :)

Our last evening in Bolzano and Alex our tour guide and new Italian friend joined us for dinner in historic downtown Bolzano and a walk through the cobblestone streets after dark enjoying Amarena (Black Cherry) gelato.