Italian Alps 10/5

Now we are back in the big hills and once again doing classic mountain passes. Stopped in Cortina yesterday which seems inhabited by ultra thin over made up 50-60 year old women. From there started up the Passo di Giau until we stopped to camp in the woods among patches of snow. Up early to continue our climb and we reached the top at 2232m before 9. These roads are tough, not the easy gradients of the Pyrenees with slopes which go up to 15% forcing me down through the gears. But what a treat we received on the way up. A blue and white pristine world with awesome peaks all around. The sort of snow filled, high altitude, isolated mountain world which is only usually experienced skiing before the crowds arrive. And the 29 hairpins on the downhill were a thrill.
In the afternoon we tackled the Passo di Fedaia, a mere 2057m but adjacent to the Marmolada ski area. This was probably our hardest road climb yet, coming as our second of the day, but we did pass a group of mountain bikers who were walking up which gave us some satisfaction...