With each step, the Dolomite mountains whispered tales of ancient legends and forgotten battles. The towering, saw-edged ridges, and immense, rocky gorges, interspersed with beautiful grassy meadows, didn’t feel real at times. Memorable for its unique geology, majestic beauty, sing the steep and challenging terrain tested our endurance, but the rewards were abundant as breathtaking scenery unfolded in every direction. Memorable for its unique geology, majestic beauty, the Dolomites are like nowhere else in the world.
It was hard to believe that these intense mountains, over 250 million years old, once thrived as a vast coral reef. Imagining the hardships faced by soldiers during World War I, when the Dolomites became a strategic battleground, added a sobering perspective to our hikes.
My good friend Tim and I embarked on daily adventures, fueled by sandwiches made fresh each morning fusing Italian and Aust, featuring delicious paper-thin speck (originating from the South Tyrol region) on freshly baked bread. Roaming among free-range cows, sheep, and horses added an unexpected charm to our experiences.
My visit to northern Italy, exploring the wilderness and sometimes feeling like we were above the clouds, is a time I will not soon forget. Enjoy some photos and be inspired to make your own trip to this special place.
Story and photography by Matt Dayak
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