Our walking choice this morning was the moderate, guided walk along the Viel del Pain - a large group of about 20. This involved a bus trip to the Passo Pordoi and then an initially very steep walk up to the ridge along which we were walking. Partway up we came across a memorial to lives lost in an avalanche.
As we climbed, we watched the local shepherds guide a flock of sheep to lower ground. The sheep are regarded as avalanche deterrents. They crop the grass very short and the stubble catches the snow and slows it when it starts to move.
As we headed over the saddle we were rewarded with spectacular views of the Marmolada (3342m). The walk then continued along the ridge with plenty of 'wow' moments. The route followed the path used by the seventeenth century merchants who smuggled their grain across the route in an effort to avoid venetian taxes. Apparently the route remained busy right into the nineteenth century despite the armed patrols set up by the Guardia di Finanza.
Our lunch stop was near the Refugio Viel del Pain where we sat on a bank admiring the view.
The path was quite narrow in places and on a few occasions we came face to face with mountain bike riders. We marvelled at their skill and 'nerve' to undertake the route. At parts along the track we were able to look across at the massive Marmolada glacier. During the First World War, the Austrians dug 8kms of tunnels under the glacier.
The route also afforded views of the Largo di Fedaia and the small village nestled near it.
We left the route to take the Porto Vescovo cable car back down to Arabba and the bus home.
An excellent start to the week of walking.
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