VOL: 14 - Dolomites
After spending two nights in a small village in northern Italy called Auronzo, we set off toward the Dolomites.
But on the way there, our rental car suddenly had a blowout, throwing our original plan completely off track.
Fortunately, we met a local named Matteo, whose help allowed us to get the car towed and safely off the road.
Without a vehicle, we couldn’t reach our planned campsite, nor could we find any nearby accommodation.
So that night, we set up our tent by the roadside and spent the night in an unplanned pause of the journey.
The next morning, we continued toward the Dolomites by bus, finally returning to our route.
Located in northern Italy and part of the Alps, the Dolomites are known for their dramatic dolomite cliffs, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. The landscape is open and clean, defined by sharp lines and wide horizons.
Along the way, we arrived at an area dotted with multiple lakes. We took a break there, resting under the sun and taking in the scenery.
Later, we reached the well known Rifugio Locatelli.
Situated on the northern side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the hut offers a direct view of the iconic three peaks.
With its easy access, full dining services, and unbeatable views, Rifugio Locatelli has become a pilgrimage spot for hikers from around the world.
After dinner, we walked around the hut, watching the sunset over Tre Cime until nightfall.
The next morning, we woke early to greet the sunrise.
Among the rocks, we came across marmots waiting for the morning light just as we were, still and quiet as they faced the valley while the first rays appeared.
Further along the trail, we noticed a “no-drone” sign made from the remains of a crashed drone, almost medieval in its sense of warning.
Along the way, we passed another small mountain hut. It didn’t have the scale of Locatelli, but felt warm and welcoming, like a little house you’d find in a quiet village.
We also came across a cold, clear stream flowing through the rocks and took a short break there.
A detour became the story itself.
A blowout stranded us on the way to the Dolomites, but with a local’s help we made it back on track, camping by the roadside, catching a bus, and finally reaching Rifugio Locatelli.
From quiet lakes and sunrise marmots to open alpine views and traces of past travelers, the journey unfolded through unexpected moments that shaped the trail as much as the scenery did.
