The dolomites my home!
Our last night in Venice was pure magic, and we had no concrete plans for the following day. I call it living in the moment—when time seems to stand still and all that matters is enjoying each other’s company.
After a brief night in Venice, we set off again toward what my wife affectionately refers to as home. Halloween was the reason for our short sleep, and it seemed the cruise ship was celebrating in style. The sounds of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” filled the air, echoing from the deck, adding to the festivity.
Instead of rushing home, I felt we should embrace our journey. It was a holiday in Italy, making the roads pleasantly free of traffic, and the charming towns we passed en route from Venice felt serene rather than bustling. I suggested to my wife that we visit my friends in the Dolomites. They own a delightful hotel in Vigo di Cadore, so I called to check availability. Although fully booked, my friend was ecstatic to still find a room for us—he was eager to see us again.
This 300-kilometer ride was the perfect opportunity to soak in the breathtaking Italian countryside, with the sun shining down on us, filling us with a sense of blessing and gratitude. This detour was exactly what we needed—an unforgettable experience to cherish together.
As I approach the enchanting town of Auronzo di Cadore, a thrill of excitement washes over me. I’ve fallen in love with this region—the warm-hearted people, the captivating scenery, and, of course, the incredible food! I can’t wait to introduce my wife to my favorite restaurant here. They serve mouthwatering pizza and pasta made with fresh mushrooms foraged from the lush forests that blanket the mountains. It’s a culinary experience you truly can’t miss, bursting with unforgettable flavors.
Upon arriving at my friend’s hotel, we are greeted with heartfelt hugs from the owners, a wonderful gesture that makes you feel right at home. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. We savored a perfectly crafted Italian coffee before heading to the breathtaking Misurina Nature Reserve, the gateway to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites. This is a destination that promises adventure and beauty at every turn.
As I drive along the winding mountain roads, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I had years ago, pushing my mountain bike to my limits. Competing in the World Championship Marathon Mountain Bike race in this breathtaking countryside—known for its notoriously challenging weather—was a test of endurance like no other. With a grueling 90 kilometers and nearly 4,000 meters of elevation, it was a true sufferfest from start to finish. Yet, I conquered it, and that magical experience remains etched in my memory.
One day, I dream of riding these same roads on my Harley, surrounded by friends from my Harley-Davidson bikers club. For now, though, I’m captivated by the stunning scenery.
Once more, we find ourselves at 20 degrees, standing at an impressive 2400 meters in the breathtaking heart of the Dolomites, right next to the iconic Tre Cime.
In this moment, with breathtaking views surrounding me, a profound silence envelops my thoughts. As I sit on the grassy slopes of the high Dolomites, my mind inevitably wanders to the unforgettable passages from Paolo Cognetti’s legendary book “The Eight Mountains.” I can almost see the chapel where he exchanged his vows.
Honestly, no words can fully capture the sensation of being in these majestic mountains. The powerful energy resonating from this place, a gift from Mother Earth, is truly magical, reminding me of my smallness in the face of such magnificent beauty.
Words often fall short in expressing my emotions, but I believe my photography captures them beautifully. Entering the park in the late afternoon, we experienced the sun setting and the temperature dropping. This incredible scenery transformed into breathtaking golden moments, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
As the sun begins to set, it bathes the mountain peaks in a breathtaking glow, offering perfect opportunities for captivating photographs. At this moment, I’m using my Leica camera, which infuses each image with a unique soul.
The anticipation of preparing these photos for my blog leaves me in a contemplative silence. This is a destination I yearn to visit every year, as it energizes me and fuels my passion to work and serve others around the globe. Embracing the wonders of Mother Nature truly feels miraculous!
This stunning image was captured at Lago di Misurina, right next to the iconic Tre Cime.
As the sun sets and temperatures begin to drop, we are making our way back to our beloved hotel, where our friends await with a glass of fine wine. We can’t wait to indulge in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant renowned for showcasing some of the best culinary offerings that Mother Nature has blessed this region of the Dolomites with. I’m grateful for the chance to share this incredible experience!
I truly hope you’ll get the chance to explore these breathtaking natural wonders yourself.
Here are some links:
Thank you
