The Gardetta Plateau.

Gardetta Plateau

Gardetta Plateau

The Gardetta Plateau.

The Gardetta Plateau is situated at the intersection of three valleys, is a vast landscape featuring a host of geological-naturalistic phenomena.

The rocks in this area tell of the ancient presence of volcanoes, rivers, beaches, lagoons, coasts and seas. The recent discovery of a dinosaur footprint has increased even further the geological importance of this site positioned at the foot of Rocca la Meja. The plateau is accessible in late Spring and summer, preferably from the Comune of Canosio in the Maira Valley and is ideal for walking . From here, you can set off on a range of hikes of varying levels, on foot or by mtb and on the numerous climbing trails on Rocca la Meja.

Making Mirto Liqueur.

Making Mirto Liqueur

Making Mirto Liqueur

Making Mirto Liqueur

Making Mirto Liqueur. Where is possible to find Mirto in Genoa?!? Rising on the Camaldoli hills at 415 metres above sea level, this fort owes its name to Cardinal Armand du Plessis de Richelieu, who defended the city during the siege of 1746-47. Built in the 18th century, it was later renovated in the 19th century. (http://www.visitgenoa.it/en/richelieu-fort)

Val di Funes – One Way

Val di Funes - One Way

Val di Funes – One Way

Val di Funes – One Way

The Valley is a real jewel: small, cosy and lush, from the Villnöß river to the mountain summer pastures at the foot of the pale mountains. It’s always exhilarating to suddenly see the enormous grey gravel cones looming above you surmounted by sheer cliffs, rocky spikes and peaks that, depending on the time of day, are tinged with ochre, pale hues, pink or copper red.  The sun transforms the Odle/Geisler into a colourful rainbow. The three charming towns at the bottom of the valley are Tiso/Teis, S. Pietro/St. Peter and S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena. With everything that’s needed for summer and winter tourism and the best hospitality for hikers and mountain climbers, Villnöß Valley, with its numerous trails and cable mountain paths, rocky ridges, glacial cirques and peaks, is a real paradise for mountain lovers.  It comes as no surprise to know that this is where Reinhold Messner was born. Visit the Alpine summer pastures, stopping to relax, returning through dwarf pines and scented forests, spending long and fun-filled evenings at the hotel and in the village. Experience the unique and beautiful winter scenery of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Hike through snow-covered forests and high-altitude meadows while discovering the hidden jewels of this pristine nature. A lot of beautiful winter hiking trails wind on prepared snow through a landscape of snow-capped mountain tops and forests. Along the way, the wonders of winter can be seen and experienced amidst the unspoiled Alpine nature of the area. The bright winter sun and the fresh air provide a wide view of the surrounding mountain world. Either on the way or uppon arrival, one can also warm up with some South Tyrolean delicacies in one of the many mountain huts and inns. (http://www.suedtirol-it.com/valdifunes).
More pics here

Val di Funes – Malga

Val di Funes - Malga

Val di Funes – Malga

 

Val di Funes – Malga

The Val di Funes – Malga. Valley is a real jewel: small, cosy and lush, from the Villnöß river to the mountain summer pastures at the foot of the pale mountains. It’s always exhilarating to suddenly see the enormous grey gravel cones looming above you surmounted by sheer cliffs, rocky spikes and peaks that, depending on the time of day, are tinged with ochre, pale hues, pink or copper red.  The sun transforms the Odle/Geisler into a colourful rainbow. The three charming towns at the bottom of the valley are Tiso/Teis, S. Pietro/St. Peter and S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena. With everything that’s needed for summer and winter tourism and the best hospitality for hikers and mountain climbers, Villnöß Valley, with its numerous trails and cable mountain paths, rocky ridges, glacial cirques and peaks, is a real paradise for mountain lovers.  It comes as no surprise to know that this is where Reinhold Messner was born. Visit the Alpine summer pastures, stopping to relax, returning through dwarf pines and scented forests, spending long and fun-filled evenings at the hotel and in the village. Experience the unique and beautiful winter scenery of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Hike through snow-covered forests and high-altitude meadows while discovering the hidden jewels of this pristine nature. A lot of beautiful winter hiking trails wind on prepared snow through a landscape of snow-capped mountain tops and forests. Along the way, the wonders of winter can be seen and experienced amidst the unspoiled Alpine nature of the area. The bright winter sun and the fresh air provide a wide view of the surrounding mountain world. Either on the way or uppon arrival, one can also warm up with some South Tyrolean delicacies in one of the many mountain huts and inns. (http://www.suedtirol-it.com/valdifunes).   More pics here

Val di Funes – Flag in the wind

Val di Funes

Val di Funes

Val di Funes

The Val di Funes Valley is a real jewel: small, cosy and lush, from the Villnöß river to the mountain summer pastures at the foot of the pale mountains. It’s always exhilarating to suddenly see the enormous grey gravel cones looming above you surmounted by sheer cliffs, rocky spikes and peaks that, depending on the time of day, are tinged with ochre, pale hues, pink or copper red.

The sun transforms the Odle/Geisler into a colourful rainbow. The three charming towns at the bottom of the valley are Tiso/Teis, S. Pietro/St. Peter and S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena. With everything that’s needed for summer and winter tourism and the best hospitality for hikers and mountain climbers, Villnöß Valley, with its numerous trails and cable mountain paths, rocky ridges, glacial cirques and peaks, is a real paradise for mountain lovers.

It comes as no surprise to know that this is where Reinhold Messner was born. Visit the Alpine summer pastures, stopping to relax, returning through dwarf pines and scented forests, spending long and fun-filled evenings at the hotel and in the village.

Experience the unique and beautiful winter scenery of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Hike through snow-covered forests and high-altitude meadows while discovering the
hidden jewels of this pristine nature. A lot of beautiful winter hiking trails wind on prepared snow through a landscape of snow-capped mountain tops and forests. Along the way, the wonders of winter can be seen and experienced amidst the unspoiled Alpine nature of the area. The bright winter sun and the fresh air provide a wide view of the surrounding mountain world. Either on the way or uppon arrival, one can also warm up with some South Tyrolean delicacies in one of the many mountain huts and inns. (http://www.suedtirol-it.com/valdifunes).
More pics here

 

Sleeping in Castelluccio

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Sleeping in Castelluccio

Castelluccio  is a village in Umbria, in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy near Norcia.

The village lies at 1452 m, making it the highest settlement in the Apennines. It lies above the “Great Plain” (Piano Grande – 1270 m), next to the Monti Sibillini National Park.

Rain and meltwater accumulate on the surface of the plain, which is made of largely impermeable sediments. The greenish ditches drain the water towards openings called Ponors, which are part of the karstic underground drainage system. If the karst drainage is blocked for any reason, water backs up and turns the plain into a temporary lake.