Carestiato Refuge (1839 meters) to Sommariva (1857 meters)
Today is one of the quiet days on Alta Via 1.
We left the refuge and took trail 549, which was a road, and soon after we started to descend to Duran Pass (1600m). We turned right and followed the road, as it had rained and the trail was muddy. After about 2 kilometers we entered trail 543, which climbed through the forest.
Due to the mud, the roots of the trees and many very narrow places with a very steep incline, it was a bit difficult and there was a risk of slipping and falling into the holes, but everything went well.
We left the forest and walked along the side of the mountain to the Somariva refuge.
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Day 12 - Sommariva refuge (1857 meters) to Bianchet refuge (1245 meters)
This was definitely the most challenging day, as it was only a steep climb up to 2,400 meters (the summit of Mount Zita). Initially through a forest, then a wall at almost 90 degrees.
We went back on the trail a little and took trail 514, which passes through the Pian de Fontana refuge.
We started a very steep climb up to the Piazedel gate at 2,097 meters, then we found a kind of ramp but with a very steep climb until we reached the Forcella de Zita Sudi at 2,351 meters.
This was a very challenging point for those who are afraid of heights, as it is a ridge with a steep and very exposed climb of about 500 meters until we passed Zita de Miezzo at 2,451 meters.
Shortly after completing this stage, there was a very steep descent, a walk on the side of the mountain where there is a huge landslide.
We reached a plateau and soon began to descend vertically. Until we reached the Pian refuge from Fontana (1632 meters)
It was 800 meters of descent in a few kilometers.
We continued on trail 514, descended a little and began to climb until 1800 meters when we began a steep descent and in the middle we took trail 518 to the Bianchet refuge.
Day 13 - Bianchet refuge (1245 meters) - Pisa (448m) - Belluno (370 meters) and Venice.
Our last day on the trail.
The beginning of the Alta via 1 to 12 days ago seems far away.
A mixture of joy and sadness.
We accomplished our goal, but it’s almost over.
Now we have to go down trail 503, which is a road used to supply the refuge.
However, there are some very difficult spots for cars.
Almost at the end, there is an exit to the left that cuts off the path to the bus stop (la Pisa).
We took the 11:20 bus to Belluno and the 14:10 train to Venice.
Since we had time, we went to lunch.
The end of the trail, but for me the beginning of a new adventure, since I’m going to Croatia.