Dolomites – Part 1

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08/19/08. Via Del Guide (IV, 4P) & Via Miriam (V+, 4P) on Torre Grande

Cinque Torri
Cinque Torri.
Given that our previous limestone climbing experience consisted of about 20 feet of climbing – all in Sedona, AZ where the three towers we’ve done have a 4-8 foot tall limestone band embedded in the sandstone – we had no idea what to expect. We set our expectations low as we rode the chairlift up to the Cinque Torri Group above Cortina. A grueling 5 minute approach brought us to the base of the “IV” route on Torre Grande/Cima Ovest. Rock is solid (despite the appearance from afar), grippy and well-featured. Scenic if crowded summit.

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Via Miriam
And Cinque Torri.
Before heading down, we also got on Via Miriam next door. Nice route as well even if the first pitch is very polished. Things went well till I screwed up on the final pitch following a dead end line of loose pegs (felt harder than the expected grade V…). Mistake was corrected shortly at the cost of a nut (not mine fortunately!) and we were hiking down to the car making plans for the next day.

Photos

Cinque Torri
Shirley enduring the epic approach to the Cinque Torri area (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley with Tofana di Rozes in the background (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
The remainder of the arduous approach. Torre Grande dominates the views (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Leading pitch 1 of Via Delle Guide on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Looking back at the short approach to Via Del Guide from the top of the chairlift and Rifugio Scoiattoli (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Consulting the guidebook at the first belay on Via Delle Guide on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley topping out on pitch 2 of Via Delle Guide (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley topping out on pitch 3 (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley leading pitch 4 (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Yours truly on the summit of Torre Grande with Tofana di Rozes in the background after our climb of Via delle Guide (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley on the summit of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Tofana di Rozes from the summit of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Rapping off Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Unknown climbers on Torre Barancio as seen from the top of the Via Del Guide (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley hiking over to the start of Via Miriam after our climb of Via Del Guide…both on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Leading pitch 1 of Via Miriam on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Some Dolomites flora (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley topping out on pitch 1 of Via Miriam of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley leading pitch 2 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Starting up pitch 3 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Looking back at Shirley (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley topping out on pitch 3 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley starting up pitch 4 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Off-route start to pitch 4 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley on pitch 4 (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Belaying Shirley on the exit pitch (#5) of Via Miriam on Torre Grande’s South Summit (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Topping out on Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley rapping off Torre Grande after our first day of Dolomites climbing (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Back at the base (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Hiking back towards the (closed) ski lift at the end of the day (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
Shirley and Tofana (Aug. 2008).
Cinque Torri
One more look at the Cinque Torri cluster of towers (Aug. 2008).

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