Experience the beauty in Aviano's backyard

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  It seems that with every move, the scenery surrounding my duty station gets more and more beautiful. Having arrived from Montana, home of Glacier National Park, I thought nothing could compare to "Big Sky Country" until the sun rose on my first day here.
 
There are some duty stations where you can see the mountains off in the distance and others where you're situated in the mountains, but Aviano is like none other. The towering Dolomites are so seemingly close you could reach out and touch them.

On New Year's Day, I found myself on trail 988, which begins at the Alpine Church in Marsure. For the next eight hours a friend of mine and I huffed up more than 5,000 feet to Pala Fontana.

I've hiked up what I thought were mountains before. I've hiked the Camelback, White Tanks and South Mountains in Phoenix and even part way up a volcano in Djibouti, Africa. All were only small hills in comparison.

It took four hours or so to reach Pala Fontana and the stretch the hike gave my calves was enough to make me grit my teeth every few steps. The view from the top and satisfaction of making it there on foot was worth it all. Words can hardly describe what my five senses took in. The crisp, cool, fresh air; mountain peaks off in every direction; the peaceful, quiet, cold breeze; and the tranquil, peaceful feeling of being isolated atop a marvelous creation.

During an eight-hour excursion you're bound to lose the trail once or twice, which we did. It goes without saying that you should dress warm, bring food, water and other supplies; and acquire a number 12 map which you can buy for about 9 euro at any local tobacco store or newspaper stand. Having lost and found the trail, I learned several important lessons that novice mountain hikers may want to consider:

1. Consider your journey. We set off on our hike at 10 a.m. and part way down we began losing daylight. The second time we lost the trail was in the dark. Consider your start time and length of the journey before you begin so you don't lose sunlight.

2. Follow the trail. Local Italian alpine clubs do a wonderful job painting markers along paths or building cairns (small rock piles) to point the way. If you veer off the trail, the next marker is generally no more than 20 to 40 yards away and within eyesight. Different trails may converge on or cross your trail, so stay alert to your intended direction of travel. Refer to your map constantly as well.

3. Look to the light. Trail 988 provides a beautiful view of Giese and Marsure on descent. Both towns have a church tower, which is lit up at night and can be used as a guide during the hours of darkness.

4. Listen for familiar sounds. The mountains are a peaceful, quiet place. When we got lost in the thistles and brush, we knew we were headed in the right direction because we began to hear the faint sound of vehicles passing by.

At the end of our journey we only ended up a mile or so from where we started. I'd gladly do it all over again, getting lost and all. I hope you make some hiking memories of your own. The mountains are waiting.