Austin Glamour Photographer Travels to Italy.

  Hiking in the Dolomites is truly spectacular and a favorite location for countless people from around the world. My September adventure took me from San Antonio to Europe, and this incredible place.

View of the Summit by Von Trapp Photography 2013.A view of the summit of Mt. Lagazuoi in the Tyrollean Dolomites of Italy. Sept 2013. Austin and San Antonio Photographer.   Mount Lagazuoi, Italy by Von Trapp Photography 2013.Hikers near the summer of one of the Dolomites highest mountains. Sept 2013, Von Trapp Photography.

Numerous small rock monuments called cairns can be seen erected around the summit.

At the Summit by von Trapp of Von Trapp Photography 2013.At the summit of Mt. Lagazuoi in the Tyrollean Dolomites. Sept 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                      Photo by Ken Head

At the summit of Mt. Lagazuoi--far below is Passo Falzarego, the mountain pass that was commanded from these heights by the Austrian military in WWI.  It is possible to visit the extensive defensive tunnel system constructed in the belly of this mountain and be given a chance to wonder at the spartan conditions that must have existed here for the soldiers.  

Mountain Defenses. WWI Tunnel in Mt. Lagazuoi by Von Trapp Photography 2013.A fighting position used by the Austrian Army in Mt. Lagazuoi during the First World War. Photographed by Austin and San Antonio Photographer, Von Trapp Photography.

This, probably a machine-gun position, had an opening of 2x4 feet. The celling height was under 5 feet.  

A Great Spot for Lunch by Von Trapp Photography 2013.Atop Mt. Lagazuoi after a day of hiking and photographing, this spot at the rifugio (mountain refuge) was perfect for a beer and pommes.

At days end, this soldier enjoyed an incredible view and fare of fries (Pommes) with mayo and a Pils, thankful to now be at peace---at least in this beautiful place. Best wishes to all for the new year, especially to those who serve. 

Here are some good sites to help you explore the region. 

http://www.summitpost.org/dolomites/150874

http://www.dolomitemountains.com/en/summer_fall_trips/dolomites_hike.htm

http://www.besthike.com/europe/dolomites/index.html

http://www.alpedisiusi.info/en/info/welcome.html