First for all, for those that celebrate it – Feliz Navidad (belated)! Hope you were able to spend the day with
friends, family, and loved ones.
Selflessness is the ultimate gift anyone can give during the
holidays. And for those of you who took
the time to volunteer or give to those less fortunate, thank you!!
One of the places I was most energized about going to when I first found out I was moving to Italy was going to the Dolomites – AKA the Italian Alps. Here is some background 411 so you can understand why this was on my “have to go to” list while living abroad:
When I lived in Seattle, CC (Cross Country) skiing
became a frequent love of mine during the winter. I would go every other weekend (or third weekend). Or even sometimes during the week to avoid
the weekend peeps. It was completely so convenient
for me to jump in my car and be at Iron Horse Trail or Snoqualmie Summit
with-in 40 minutes. I can still remember
my Cougar passing the semi-trucks while “climbing” the Snoqualmie Pass. And me yelling out-loud, “Take
that you semi –trucks!” While at
the same time, my music blaring. And my Starbuck’s
seven pumps cinnamon dolce coffee in hand (yummy). :p When
I would arrive at the ski area, I could not help but give my car a “pet” and
thank it for getting me there safely.
Go Cougar go!!!
It was Thanksgiving weekend. And the CC Skiing trails were not open, not
even groomed. So snow-shoeing it would
be. In my opinion it is not as good of a workout as
CC Skiing, but it is still a totally fierce cardiovascular exercise. In addition, just like CC Skiing it works
your entire body. And if you plan to be
out there all day, and do some vertical climbing you had better be in
shape! Thank goodness for me keeping up
with my running and doing upper body strengthening/gym work-outs prior to this
adventure.
Stefan and Flavio
Stefan has a wonderful sense of humor. And he fed me chocolate to keep me motivated
throughout the day. What I like best
about him is he pushed me. Keep in mind
most of the people who have pushed me (to do my best) are fellow runners, skiers,
or hikers. Stefan does more extreme
sports such as Ice climbing, and Rock climbing on a regular basis. Even though I was stoked to have someone so
gifted as my guide, I could tell he expected me to push my limits.
There were times when I didn’t think I had it in me
to keep going. My arms were so sore, my
legs ached, and I felt worn-out. And I
don’t know how he did it (perhaps tempting me with chocolate), but we were able
to climb and climb and climb. The
conditions were perfect! The sun was out, and the snow could not have been more
powdery. I decided to take a little
break; and try and run in my snow-shoes.
Here is a very short video of Stefan encouraging me/cheering me on to “run.”
The second day we went to a different place to
snow-shoe. I thought for sure Stefan would
be “nice to me” and it would not be such a brutal workout as the day
before. Boy was I wrong!! Before we even started our snow-shoeing, we
had to climb up a dreadful steep hill and more climbing into the wilderness. With all of our equipment mind you. The whole time I am thinking, “Gosh, we haven’t even started shoe-shoeing, and I am already
dead.”
When we finally started snow-shoeing, the surroundings
were a lot different than the Limestone Alps the previous day. This day was like being back in the PNW –
green. A mixture of Pine, Spruce,and
other trees; and they were all around us.
I defiantly felt like I was snow-shoeing in the woods. This picture was from the day before, but it
gives you more of an idea of this day’s shoe-shoeing surroundings.
Even though this was not a full day of snow-shoeing
(as the previous day), I was extremely drained and tired at the end. But, despite that, I still had an astonishing
time!
This post would not be complete without giving the link for Catores Alpine School:
Catores Alpine
School does it all – winter sports, summer sports, foreign tours, trekking expeditions,
you name it.
Flavio and Stefan – much gratitude again!!!! And I will see you again soon!
Flavio and Stefan – much gratitude again!!!! And I will see you again soon!
My next trips will more likely be very similar to this one (playing in the winter elements). That being said, it may be some time before I add any new post(s) to my blog.
In closing I want to wish each and every one of you
a Happy New Year!! I hope the
New Year brings you adventures, fantastic live music/concerts, serenity, and most of all happiness. Be safe everyone!!
Here are the rest of the pics from this trip:
And please don’t forget the “Music Videos” tab on here. Didn’t add any new ones tonight, but will sometime
soon! In the meantime enjoy some of my current favs!!
Tanti Auguri,
~ Jerrie
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