A trek with Dolomiti Beat: the tale of a magical experience
Our second summer season is coming to a close, and to us it seems almost impossible that so much time has already passed together. We started this activity just before the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic that we all know about, and in 2020 we brought so many people to discover our mountains. We would have liked to experience 2021, all of us, a little freer and more carefree, but it has held for us not a few complications. Yet we were able to enjoy your company and our area again, expanding the Dolomiti Beat – Community more and more and offering new activities. It was an unforgettable season!
We were looking for a way to say thank you, to let you understand what the Dolomiti Beat group has become thanks to you, and we decided to rely on the words of one of our Friends (because we cannot speak of Clients, but of Friends). We hope these lines can engage and excite you as they did us!
I confess, for many weeks I was undecided. On the Facebook page of Dolomiti Beat, which I have been following for a long time, the event appeared–just for me! Trekking in an area of the Dolomites that I have not yet seen well (I retain some memories of having been in the refuge where we will be sleeping one night) but it is a part that intrigues me and that I do not know enough about to plan my own trip, even though I am quite experienced in mountain hiking.
The time also corresponds perfectly with summer vacation at work. Perfect! Then I’ll call um, Leonardo and make a reservation! Simple! Instead, honestly, I let almost two weeks pass.
Why? This time, suspended, amplifies some fears and many fears. Mine, personally were related little to the pandemic, but much to my ability to complete the trek. I am passionate about mountains, quite used to walking even for 4-5 hours a day, but in the last year I have decreased my outings and elevation gain a bit, and I don’t feel confident about my physical condition. Then there is the social component: for a number of reasons I would like to go through this experience alone, without the friends who usually join me on my outings. And I confess that the idea of spending a few days (and a few nights) in close contact with other strangers further restrains me in my initial instinct to call.
Days go by and Facebook, which understands that my interest is real, resubmits the event to me. So…let’s make that call in the meantime! I call Leonardo, who in a squeaky, energetic voice tells me a few things about the trek and asks me a couple of questions. As I thought: if I’ve walked in the mountains before and if I’m out of shape, but I’m familiar with the mountain environment… it seems no problem! Leonardo explains to me that the path he thought of is addressable in average travel times, but that he generally always keeps a little slack on the timing to allow everyone to reach the shelters at their own pace, respecting diversity (I would later find out on site that in addition to an “escort” time, he had also put in an alternative route variant in case the participants turn out to be particularly prepared and fast, as in our case)!
He confirms some data for me, the elevation gain, the route, the shelters he will contact for overnight stay. Okay. What to bring? Leonardo is peremptory: backpack as light as possible. Avoiding the superfluous! You eat and sleep in shelters, just a light sleeping bag or sheet bag, water, something to eat for intermediate snacks… and refers me to the page on the Dolomiti Beat website where advice is summarized on clothing and basic equipment as well.
Okay. Maybe it’s Leonardo’s energy and positivity, maybe it’s the nostalgia of the mountains, unexpectedly I sign up! I’ll take two days to think about it more, but in the meantime I’ll send them the data!
Two days pass and he contacts me to see if he can put me in a dedicated whatsapp group. Okay! The rest. Is a succession of beautiful things! We meet at the meeting point, Leonardo provides the van for the trip, halfway there is already a sweet break at a nice bakery, and off we go! Let the trek begin!
Without noticing and (almost) effortlessly we arrive at the hut where we will sleep the first night! Miracle? No! Chatting with my fellow travelers (nature and mountain enthusiasts as well, albeit with very different personal and professional experiences), a couple of jokes, and a few breaks where our guide tells us something about geology or land formation… and the first day is gone! All that remains is to enjoy a short relaxation, dinner, a little chat, a short walk to admire a magical sunset and … restorative rest.
The days to follow are a copy and paste of activities, although the rest is all to be discovered! Spectacular landscapes, colors and terrain that vary as we pass, several times during the day, refreshing breaks both for the body and for knowledge of anecdotes or information about the Dolomite terrain that I personally often do not know (see the beauty of having someone who has studied things and shares them with you?). And then … the famous interpersonal relationships that fuel! Last but not least, a really favorable weather, which made each day even more impressive!
This is how we successfully complete a memorable trek. For me, personally, because the period I am going through was in danger of pervading me, taking away time and opportunity for relaxation, socializing, and … for me! And this stop, in nature, faced and decided by myself, and shared that new people was really a panacea! Sufficient 6.5 kg backpack for the entire trip and physical fitness … rapidly recovering!
What a great experience that trekking was! I look forward to searching through the upcoming Dolomiti Beat events for the one tailored to me, this time without delay!
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