The Dolomites - Here we come!

We packed our bags this morning for our trip out to the airport to meet Lois and join the pick-up by Colette's that would take us up to the mountains.

As we headed out first for our breakfast coffee and croissants, we appreciated aspects of our lovely apartment.

               

                

On arrival at the vaporetto stop, we were informed that there was a strike on!  As everyone tried to be helpful, we were variously advised that the vaporetto to the airport would still run though perhaps not after 9am (it was 9.10am) and the one to the bus station would definitely not be going.  Robbie and Di decided to ask at a nearby hotel where they were told the airport vaporetto would definitely run.  It finally arrived and we all piled on.   

                                 

We were very pleased that we were able to board at S. Angela for after one stop at Rialto, the vaporetto was full and many people waiting at subsequent stops were told to wait for the next one.  One couple right at the end of the line were most distressed as they were on a timeline for a flight.

At the airport we quickly found Lois and settled for a coffee and catch-up.

We soon connected with Sophie from Colette's and were on our way, stopping at Treviso airport to collect a couple of British girls (one of whom had spent 10 years on the Gold Coast) and began our journey into the mountains.  After passing the lower agricultural areas covered with wheat and grapes we started to climb.  Stopping in Agorda for a coffee, we were able to enjoy for the first time the spectacular scenery.

We arrived in Corvara about 5.00pm after a stop at the local shop, and were welcomed by the lovely staff at Pensione Angelo who showed us to our rooms.  Robbie and I have one with a balcony overlooking the spectacular mountains.

As we celebrated with a drink, we were able to see many contrails from the various aircraft plying their way across Europe.

Colette's have 'Office Hour' each afternoon at 6.00pm.  This is an opportunity to talk with other guests about the walks they have undertaken and discuss with the guides the walks they will lead the following day.  There is always an opportunity to take a self-guided option by following one (or more) of the many routes that criss-cross the area.

After deciding on the moderate walk for the following day we enjoyed a lovely meal and headed off to bed.