FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Brunico

Views from the summit

It was finally time for Team Dolomite to head to the Dolomites. First up Brunico. Our driver Walter, panicked because he couldn't find us at 0931. One minute past our pick up time. It turned out he was at the wrong address. By 0934, he had corrected his error. Love you Walter! The 3 hour drive went by pretty quickly and we were able to drop our bags off at the family run Hotel Corso, conveniently located right in Brunico's centre.

Before I continue, this segment of the trip was the primary reason we were returning to Italy. Hiking in the Dolomites was on my bucket list, and going on a via ferrate on Lara's wish list. We had such an incredible hut to hut ski trip organised by Manuela (her company is Info Dolomites) that we engaged her assistance again for this trip. She didn't disappoint. She put together an itinerary for us as we requested and took the thinking out for us. There are so many hikes, trails, hotels and rifugios in the area that it was hard to know where to start. She also took care of the logistics. If you ever consider a trip to the Dolomites, I would not hesitate to recommend her services.

Team sunnies on. Andiamo!

Our hotel

Simple rooms but comfy. Finally blankets with some weight!

Bathroom

The Hotel gave us bus passes to use for free which we used to get to the Riscone Cable Car station. Despite being given a map and explicit instructions, the dumb Aussies panicked and got off the bus too early. The consequence was an extra 10 minutes to the base of the chairlift. Thankfully, the dumb Aussies were able to work out how to buy return cable car tickets. From there, it only 11 minutes to get to the summit of Plan de Corones. At 2275m, we froze, we explored, we had lunch and then headed back down the mountain. Manuela was waiting for us and briefed us on our itinerary providing with maps and further instructions, as well as arranging takeaway breakfasts and lunches when we would not have time to get any. With some time before dinner, we walked around pretty Brunico and settled for pizza's at the hotel's restaurant. For some reason, we were all exhausted and pretty much conked out...let's hope the energy levels improve for the upcoming busy schedule of activities!