I did not leave early. Instead I had breakfast with Vanessa and Mike and we walked to Alleghe together. The day began with beautiful views of the Marmolada and its glaciers. We walked along a brilliant green ridge towards Lake Fredaia and then began a steep descent to the village at the lake. We had hoped to visit the WWI museum but it didn't open until 10. We did see an interesting "chair" lift. This lift could carry two people up the mountain standing. It was pretty interesting.
From there we walked first on pavement and then down a ski slope. We were navigating pretty well until the path ran into a creek. We went down a grass slope. I was pretty sure we went past a sign that said no entry but I couldn't see another way to go. (In fact I think we were at that point on the track outlines in the book). Then a bunch if dogs went crazy barking at us an an Italian woman gave us a piece of her mind. We had no idea what she was saying but it didnt sound nice. I believe if we had stayed with the road there we would have been on the correct track. Instead flustered and wanting to leave the scene of our crime we headed towards a campground that was referenced in our book. That was slightly off course. However, the very nice campground manager told us which way to go and soon we arrived at the Sottoguda Gorge.
The Sottoguda Gorge has a toll for walkers. You can also take the train (truck driven). We decided to walk. The guidebook said the toll was 3.50€. However, the sign said it was 3€. That seemed great. The cashier told me to be sure and keep my ticket for the return trip. I told him there was no return trip because we were heading to Alleghe. Then he said that I am supposed to tell him that when I buy the ticket. Turns out the one way pedestrian toll is only 2€. Who knew?
The Sottoguda Gorge had tall moss covered walls and a stream running through it. The tempurature in it was very nice. We had a quick snack at a bench. One of the very interesting things in the gorge were tunnels dug by soldiers in WWI to store gun powder. These same tunnels were used in WWII as air raid shelters. They have also been extensively studied by biologists interested in molluscs.
We left to gorge and arrived in cute town of Sottoguda. The intersting thing about this town is that they have placed manniquins all over the town to demonstrate the traditional lifestyle. We also noticed that wood was not only neatly stacked it was decorated with designs in the stacks and flowers within the stacks.
From there we walked to Alleghe. It was supposed to be an "easy" day but we were tired when we arrived. However, it was great to go to the grocery store which had a coupke cold coke zeros. Then ran out after I drank them. There was also a place in the supermarket that sold wine by the liter. You could buy a container or they would fill your water bottle. We didn't buy any but I think that Vanessa and Mike will get some later.
We had a little happy hour on the balcony of our hotel - the Garni Eaperia. Then headed out to dinner. We decided on a pizza place. I got a pizza with zuchini and corn. It was yummy but my stomach wasn't so good later. On out bill was a cover charge. In the US we normally associate this with a club but this is a common practice in Italy as is closing shops for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
We are taking a rest day in Alleghe as we are a day ahead and we have been hiking for 18 days straight with significant elevation gain/ loss each day.
Distance: 24km( 14.88miles)
Elevation up: 230m (750ft)
Elevation down: 1670m (5500ft)
Photos at https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0q532ODWVPkrI
This is is my track for the last seven days
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZqguMWq0nIVvMudyEDQOcLFQgoN7hGXc
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