Spires
by Norma Brandsberg
Title
Spires
Artist
Norma Brandsberg
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Croda Da Lago is one of the most distinct mountains in the Dolomites.
With its jagged, striking peaks it's the perfect example of the weathering process these ranges are constantly exposed to. They are stunning in their presentation and simplicity.
We were witness to a race on 25 June, at 9 am, the Cortina Trail Race starts, it's an extraordinary 48km trail running race, with a positive difference in altitude of 2,600m. The 48 km ring route begins and ends in Corso Italia in Cortina. The route includes enchanting areas, such as the Tofane, the Cinque Torri and the Croda da Lago and has a positive difference in height of 2,600 m. The 1,700 runners from all over the world will have 12 hours to complete the race.
This range is close to Cortina and was the site of a running road race while we were there. If you can imagine heavy winds, rain, sleet and snow while the runners were on the course, you begin to see how crazy this area is for runners, mountain bikers and motorcycle riders. Add thunder and lightening, I thought most of these people should have been committed. I was so happy I was in a car for most of the time we were there.
Croda da Lago is a small mountain chain in the central Dolomites in Veneto , northern Italy, just east of the Giau Pass . The highest peak of the group, the Cima d'Ambrizzola has an elevation of 2,715 meters or almost 10,000 ft.
The main Summitts are:
Cima Ambrizzola, 2715 m
Croda da Lago, 2701 m
Cima de Lastoi, 2657 m
Mount Cernera, 2657 m
Becco di Mezzodì , 2603 m
The walks in this area are very strenuous, with very changeable weather conditions, but very rewarding I am told. Being older we have to save our strength to continue our adventure . I use my camera to capture our muted grand adventure. So if in the area take your time, enjoy and rest when you can.
The Pelmo-Croda da Lago system, forming one of the nine areas of the Dolomites protected by the prestigious Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognition, covers a vast, elongated strip of land running in a NW to SE direction, stretching down from Monte Penna to Passo Giau (2,236 m), between the Boite Valley, the val Zoldana, the val Fiorentina and the small but charming side valleys of the tributaries Codalonga and Costeana.
The area protected by the UNESCO comprises several other groups, amongst which are Monte Formìn (2,657 m), Monte Cernera (2,657 m), Becco di Mezzodì (2,603 m) and La Rocchetta (2,469 m), while the other important mountain that gives its name to the area is Croda da Lago (2,701 m), also visible from Cortina.
he overall effect of the mountain chain is truly spectacular, and the succession of sceneries and views that can be admired from Passo Giau towards Croda da Lago represents one of the visual icons of the Dolomites.
The geological features of these mountains are also extraordinarily interesting; the impressive, powerful succession of rocks and fossils illustrates with impeccable detail the history of a period which lasted more than 100 million years.
In particular, the lightly coloured fossil cliffs of Monte Cernera, completely covered by dark volcanic sediments, and the subsequent recovery of the reef formations after the volcanic crisis – as it can be appreciated here – provides a natural, almost didactic cross-section of Triassic history, which has always been regarded with wonder.
Also, at the foot of the Lastoi di Formin sub-group and at Monte Pelmetto, was discovered the first evidence of the presence of dinosaurs in the Dolomites, and their traces can still be seen imprinted in the rocks. These findings have helped to rewrite the geological history of the area.
The Pelmo mountain system offers a wide range of features linked to deformation of the terrestrial crust and climatic changes. There are also characteristic examples of geo-morphology connected to the action of ancient Quaternary glaciers and to successive cycles of freezing/thawing.
Also available in full color.
This area near the sites of the 2026 Olympics in Cortina!
Uploaded
July 13th, 2021
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