One Dolomites Tour a year isn’t enough, so we did another one: the Dolomites Autumn Drive
Friday
This time Elisa didn’t her sun dance before, therefore we didn’t get any snow as opposed to the spring edition. If you haven’t read our last spring edition text you can find it here.
We didn’t wait to let the Friday pass without action and offered a sunset drive to the Sella Pass. In Spring we didn’t see any of the landscape but a snow plough. The sunset light was spectacular and everybody agreed that this was well worth going up. Filled with enthusiasm we enjoyed dinner and socializing at our homebase : Smart Hotel Saslong.
Saturday
On Saturday we managed to follow a new route, because passo Gardena was reopened. This time we had two MX-5, NB and NC with us, plus an Alpine A110 and of course a lot of Lotus.A local group of petrolheads from Bolzano joined the day tour. Adding a different variation of cars: we had then Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9, Honda civic type R, Golf 7 GTI.
We did Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Fedaia before our second coffee. The view of the Lake and Marmolada is wonderful from the terrace of Bar Diga.
Roadcarandi took the opportunity to fly his drone and take pictures of everyone and everything.
Also Elisa managed to reach the top of passo Giau following the short term exhaust manifold replacement that was necessary after Stelvio. Arriving on top of Giau is always breathtaking how the 360° panorama of the Dolomites summits unfold in front of your eyes or your windscreen.
For lunch we tried something new: Baita Resch. We were served tasty food and a wonderful view of the mountains. After lunch we headed to Valparola and passo delle Erbe. The drive was short and therefore we arrived at the Hotel in time to enjoy aperitivo and the usual after tour banter.
Sunday
The day started with another great breakfast at the Hotel. Our first leg from Santa Cristina to Bolzano via Castelrotto was foggy and wet. Things improved after Bolzano when we climbed passo mendola and stopped for coffes on top.
We then took most rounded way via Palade, Meltina and Avelengo to arrive at our trusted lunch stop in Merano. After lunch it was time to say goodbye again.
We started the tour as a group of petrolheads and we ended up as friends again.
Written by Elisa, dictated by Joerg
Pictures by Roadcarandi
