Explore Puez-Odle Nature Park

September 10, 2024, from the itinerary: After a hearty breakfast it's off to Colfosco, one of the charming towns of Val Badia. From here, you'll explore the picturesque 25,000 acre Puez-Odle Natural Park at the base of the Cir Mountains. Starting from the church in Val Badia, head uphill to Rifugio Edelweiss (6,008') nestled in the Edelweiss Valley - the perfect stop for refreshments! Admire spectacular views over th e Sella Massif, with its towering peaks and dramatic rock faces. Then ascend to Rifugio Forcelles and the most panoramic bench stop you'll ever encounter! Then follow a series of uphill paths and switchbacks until you reach Jimmy's Hutte (7,299'), our final destination. After lunch, descend to Passo Gardena and Colfusco. Optional gondola rides are available (not included). Savor a traditional Ladin dinner tonight

Planned activity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,330' elevation gain and loss

Actual activity: 4.45 hours/7 miles hiking with 1047' elevation gain and loss

I've added another shot showing where we are in the country....

Weather: Great weather sunny and cold

Here is the view from our hotel room

This was a lovely walk today for the most part. I believe there was a bit of a change to the itinerary and the last bit was a bit like a training hike up the road to lunch.

Had some tough uphills to our coffee break, where buni and I got to try the "loungers" and felt like we were living our best life

and finally got to taste those doughnuts

We continued up

until we got to a great stop for group photos. We call the one with Paula and Larus "mom and dad with the kids". The one with all the hiking poles is the shot the South Koreans recommend.

Lunch was at Jimmy's Hutte. Probably the best rifugio experience and lunch of this trip. I found myself wishing we could be staying there for a couple nights. Paula's lunch was appel streudel and a coffee - seemed like the right idea to me:). I had 3 dumplings and a hot cocoa. We shared an streudel forwhich I only have the after photo:)

We had a pretty straight shot down to the town and the local church where we waited for the pickup. The weather brought out quite a few other hikers and we met many people on the way down.

8 course local meal at a farm: barley soup, ravioli, pork (lovely pork ribs), and apple fritters for desert