European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 19, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Climb dolomites continued rom  7 feeling of having done something special. Walking Uphill with a Backpack hour att r hour jumping from i k 10 m a is  i Wulk. Nisono talks much. The c Are sights to Admire  in every size shape and color charging Mountain trea Sand waterfalls surrealistic Rock formations tiny chapels commemorating climb cars who perished. Part of them i in world is the hut a High Altitude restauro Oiel resting facility. We spent two nights in these r Ufim  Are neither posh nor Slone age primitive hut fun. Groups of Hardy linkers and limbers gather in woodsy rooms at picnic style tables to talk about the Day s achievements plan the route for the next . There s Beer and wine and plenty of nourishing food. Sleeping rooms Are tiny rammed with hunk Beds anywhere from four to 10 people per room. Usually the electric Generator is turned off at 10 ., so flashlights Are needed for night treks to the toilet. In italian huts the toilets Are awful a Hole in the floor with a raised foot print on each Side. There Are no showers or tubs and usually just icy cold water for brushing Teeth arid washing. Sleep is not always easy. Invariably one or two heavy snorers saw away others toss and turn on Creaky Beds. Squeaky doors open and close As people make their Way to the toilet. It was Early to bed Early to Rise during our second hut experience. Scenery provided the evening entertainment. We watched a full Moon slowly ascend above a Distant Mountain Range to hang in the sky like an iridescent balloon. Then we hit the bunks at about 9  At 4 . We were awakened by the hut owner. We dressed in the dark had a Quick breakfast of Coffee Rolls and butter then set off for another Luom climb. This time our goal was the top of Damello an 11,000 foot Peak in the pre Sanella Range. Since it would take at least six hours to Eracli the top we had to be on the Trail at 5 . For this trek we were Given ice axes and crampons to attach to our boots later in the journey. Again Only five of the group mustered up the courage to set off in the dark and follow the guides who led the Way with flashlights. It was cold Windy. The rocks were especially big. The climb was Steep. Up and up we went in eerie silence with Short Breaks now and then to turn around and observe the sky. Sunrise was approaching. The changes of color and Light on the surrounding mountains were beautifully mysterious. Of e the Sun made it Over the mountains the air warmed. By 7 . We arrived at the first Field of Snow and ice. To negotiate the Slippery Uphill surface we had continued on a if a w overnight huts Are a Refuge Lor climbers making their Way up he Mountain. Equip yourself to put your Best foot Forward leans and jogging shoes won t Cut it in the mountains. Hiking and climbing require special clothing and gear. A sturdy comfortable pair of hiking boots is essential. There s no Way you can hike for eight hours a Day if your feet Are killing you. Even with the right boots by the end of the Day feet Are Likely to ache but the pain will be tolerable. A Backpack is needed for both Day hikes and longer treks. Size depends on the length of the journey. We used Day packs which had plenty of room for gear needed for one or two hut overnights. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. You need to be prepared for Winter summer and everything in Between. Contents of your pack should include a lightweight rain jacket with a Hood heavy sweater gloves warm hat Sun screen sunglasses band aids extra pair of socks canteen filled with water camera and extra film. Even if you plan to lunch at a Mountain hut add some snacks fruit Candy bars. For overnights at High elevations you la need soap Toothbrush and toothpaste Small Towel change of clothing and slippers or other shoes. Hiking boots Are nol permitted in the sleeping areas of the huts. Even in summer if your hike will take you High High up you la need a heavy jacket such As a ski Parka. In any weather hiking pants knickers Are preferable to jeans there s no Chance the Bottom of your pants will get caught on a Rock. Invest in a pair made of Corduroy or a fabric of similar weight that will do in any weather. Hiking Well marked trails minus ladders and cables Etc. Can be done on your own. But unless you Are an experienced climber anything More adventuresome should not be attempted without a Mountain guide. In Pinzolo Mountain guides charge 200,000 lire about $105 to accompany a climber on the via Delle Bocchette or to the top of the Damello. For Small groups of climbers charge is 80,000 lire about $42 per person. This includes use of All necessary equipment and the fee for the hut overnight. Huts charge about 11,000 lire $5.75 for a night s lodging. Bed space in the huts is limited so it s Best to Reserve a bed prior to your arrival. The Mountain huts at High elevations in the dolomites Are open Only from june through september. However Mountain hiking at lower elevations is possible through october and int november. More information about hiking the dolomites near the town of Pinzolo is available from a Zinda autonomy Soggiorno Pinzolo & Mav Ignola 38086pinzolo, Trentino Italy. A attached to hiking boots before o climb a Field of be. Stripes Magazine september 19,1915