Dolomites

We did a fantastic hike in the Dolomites. It really tested us all we thought we were going around the mountain but ended up climbing over the mountain (Cima Valsorda). The walk took us 6 hours to 2700m!
The views of the surrounding peaks were amazing and the Dolomite rock structures from close up were fantastic. We finished it off with a fantastic lunch at the Refugio di Pisa at 2671m, Charlie and I had minestrone soup and the others had pasta. Followed by tiramisu for desert. Amazing that you can get fantastic food at a little chalet perched on the side of a mountain. It had it's own little rudimentary cable car to get it's supplies.

Marching the kids up a mountain pass! just need jelly snakes!

Charlie chilling in the Snow! (more than at Mt Buller??)

Refugio Torre di Pisa

A big hike today!

Dolomites and Logging

There seem to be fallen trees and logging going on everywhere in the Dolomites. Sam said it reminded her of the Lorax.  I did some research and here is the reason.....

In October 2018, the Dolomites were hit by a devastating hurricane - Tempesta Vaia. Winds up to 200km/hr caused widespread damage to villages, houses and roads, and there were several deaths. Millions and millions of trees were toppled. Forestry workers and sawmills are struggling to deal with the massive amount of timber that needs removing and storing. 

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltempo_sul_Triveneto_del_26-30_ottobre_2018

Camping del Lago

This a slightly strange campsite nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Camping del Lago is perfectly good campsite but has strange rules about rubbish that make it a bit intimidating. Also the facilities are newish but also a bit weird like huge washing up sinks with no draining boards. 

The lake puts me in mind of the one in the Godfather Part II. 

5/10

Onward to the Dolomites....

Sarah doing her best..

Croatian Ice Cream

Croatia is the kids number 1!!!!

The most amazing ice cream constructions you have ever seen.
Rather difficult to eat however!!

Autocamp Draga

Autocamp Draga is terraced and pleasant and has the feeling of a small camp. It is well situated close to the town and 300m from a beach. 

Their is also a good restaurant “Lasco” next door the seafood is affordable and superb. 

All the staff at Auto camp Draga are pleasant and efficient. The only downside of the campsite are the bathrooms they cramped and dated but are spotlessly clean. 

Highlights:

• Beach access 
• Close to town and good food. 

Overall 6/10

BTW: With more modern bathrooms the score will rise to 8/10. 

Reception with little shop 200 metres from town. 

Terraces

Old style bathrooms

Croatian villas

Hidden away behind the facades of Mošćenička Draga are some beautiful old Croatian villas. 

Mošćenička Draga

We arrived in Croatia in hot July conditions. Mum and Dad decided that the beach, pedalo's and ice cream could wait. So we set out in the 30 degree heat for 6 hour, 13 km hike to the local summit of the mountains "Perun". We got most of the way and were rewarded with some great views.

There were some very spooky signs on the way detailing with local Slavic traditions of sacrifice and earth mothers and there was a deserted settlement at the top...

Charlie needed a piggy back on the way home..