Ashley Burke, Italy AV2

The Italian Dolomites - Alta Via 2

Stage 4


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Map of AV2 Stage 4

Stage 4 - Passo Cereda to Feltre

3 - 6 Aug 2010

The final stage of the AV2 from Passo Cereda to Passo Croce d'Aune lies at the southern extremity of the Dolomites and is confined to a traverse of a single range, the Feltre Dolomites. Nevertheless the route the AV2 takes through this region is the steepest and most difficult of the whole AV2. To reach the Bivacco Feltre on the first day the route climbs a very steep and loose slope of rapidly eroding scree. The remainder of the route follows the crest of the range for much of the way, with considerable exposure in places.

We started this stage from Passo Cereda in the afternoon of 3 August, having completed Stage 3 in the morning. We thus reached Bivacco Feltre on the first night, and this was our first night in bivvy style accommodation, where there is no hut warden or restaurant, just bunks and a bench for cooking on. This is much like the huts in New Zealand or other parts of the world, and we enjoyed the freedom of self sufficiency that night. We then completed the traverse of the Felre Dolomites on 4 August, reaching Rifugio dal Piaz. On 5 August we walked down to Passo Croce d'Aune and then hitched into the town of Feltre.

Here is our trip log for these 4 days:

3 Aug 2010	After completing Stage 3 and reaching Passo Cereda for lunch, we began the long climb into the mountains of Stage 4. We followed a minor road for a while, through hamlets, and then took a path that wound its way upwards through forest. The path became gradually steeper and higher, and a huge thunderstorm struck us just as we were climbing the steep, loose and eroded route up to Passo del Comedon. Now cold and wet, we traversed around and down to the very comfortable Bivacco Feltre.
4 Aug 2010	A cold windy night was followed by a beautiful morning. A very long day of walking. Traversed with some exposure to Pass de Mura then a slippery muddy track to Rifugio B. Boz. Very muddy track until out of the rural country and onto the range itself. Spectacular and exposed high level walking on the crest of the range. This track was built in WWI. Exciting walking and then a long final leg to reach the very homely and friendly Rifugio Dal Piaz.
5 Aug 2010	A very cloudy morning, worsening weather. Descended well graded WW1 historic path to Passo Croce d'Aune and quickly hitched a ride into Feltre. Lots of organising to do in Feltre. Got a train to Venezia Mestre where I picked up a rental car and drove back to Feltre. Stayed in a caravan at a small campsite a few kilometres outside Feltre.
6 Aug 2010	The weather improved again so today we drove in the rental car back to Passo Croce d'Aune. We then walked back up to Rifugio Dal Piaz and hiked up to Monte Pavione. We returned to the car by a different route, passing through the beautiful village of Aune. Then we drove back down to Feltre where we had a hotel booked. Thus ended the AV2!

Below are the photos from the final 4 days of the Alta Via 2.

	As we climbed from Passo Cereda into the mountains a huge thunderstorm approached. We had walked through the hamlets in the foreground during this climb.
	The climb up to the Passo del Comedon was steep, eroded and loose, and we got caught in a thunderstorm half way up!
	Below is the Bivacco Feltre where we stayed on 3 August. The storm had now cleared enough for us to find this hut!
	Next morning the weather was perfect and we set off from Bivacco Feltre following this signpost for Rifugio B. Boz.
	Views down to Lago della Stua from the range between Bivacco Feltre and Rifugio B. Boz.
	Traversing the mountainside en route between Bivacco Feltre and Rifugio B. Boz.
	Between Rifugio B. Boz and Rifugio dal Piaz , once past the muddy section, the path takes an exciting high level route. This route was made in WWI.
	The route stays right on top of the range and has some exposure.

	Wildflowers high on the range.
	On 6 August we returned to Rifugio dal Piaz (visible in the background) for a day hike to Monte Pavione.
	Returning from our day hike via a different route, we pass through the beautiful Italian village of Aune.
	Here is the historic centre of Feltre, floodlit at night.
	The historic alleyways of Feltre at night.
	Feltre at night.
	Feltre at night.

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Page created 9 Oct 2010, last updated 9 Oct 2010.


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