Kates Playground, Clit

ALWAYS SNOW MOUNTAIN BIG IN S. STEFANO

time during these Christmas and End Year high in the Apennines was not particularly conducive to outdoor activities, especially all'erscursionismo winter.
gloomy day, the sky is often covered or even zero visibility, warm wind and drizzle that have dramatically reduced the snowpack, with the only result in some positive way to reduce the risk of avalanches also almost everywhere.

Luckily I managed to carve out a space for snowshoeing between tortellini and panettone the day after Christmas, when I celebrated the feast day of the brother "of the same name" with a Sgambati from RI Monte Rio Grande Regional Park in the Horn alle Scale. Under a snow

abundant and unceasing we climbed the trail in the dense fir forest that is great on the walls distente north of Mount La Nuda to Bagnadore blossomed. Here we have reassembled the south side of Monte Grande in the beautiful beech forest along the path 125 - scored well, congratulations to the Friends of CAI Alto Appennino Bolognese! - And we have reached 1531 m altitude of the peak: indeed relatively low altitude, but ennobled by a snowstorm and winds from the mountains. In
down we returned to Bagnadore and since we still had time, leg and breath, we granted the crossing from the mouth to Madonna dell'Acero, where we finally worn snowshoes. The course has also given the magic of a double waterfall in the winter landscape, under the continuing snowfall that has reconstituted the snow broke up almost everywhere in the days before because of the unexpectedly mild and rainy climate. From Madonna dell'Acero we returned to Rio Rì down the road, now completely whitewashed.
Although the visibility and the weather was bad, we could enjoy the magic of walking in the great forests of beech and silver fir, in the most absolute silence and stillness. And this - it must be said - thanks to the choice of a route easily and free of spots, conduct careful and prudent kept constant the way (several times we were in doubt about the continuation of the path, but we kept close to the last visible sign of looking carefully for the next ...) and good performances of our tried and tested equipment. All these are essential in order to provide nice winter hike and safely even if the weather is bad. Otherwise, you should stay at home in the warmth ...

Giovanni Mazzanti

Clear Plain Hair Comb

THE MOUNTAIN "Assassin"?

Unfortunately the winter season began with the tragic news about sci-climbers and hikers swept away by avalanches. And news are coming from very near the Mount Cusna, one of 10 peaks of which I speak in the 2000 book, perhaps my favorite.
not everyone knows that, but in our high Apennines accumulations of snow can become very large, even early in the season (currently more than one meter in altitude) and gullies in the rise in temperature after the first snowfall can lead to high risks associated with avalanches: look at this huge avalanche that I photographed in April 2009 in the Valley of Silence, on the North side of the Corno alle Scale, and I have already proposed last spring!

Fortunately, in addition to the dead there are survivors, as the two hikers missing in the Casoni's Profecchia and Bocca di Massa, in the shadow of Mount Prado. Parties with inclement weather and thick fog - a specialty of the Apennines, see photo on the side - they were lost and spent the night in a makeshift igloo. Shortly before dawn, were rescued from mountain rescue. Must say thanks to luck and the phone ...
In these cases, back to talking about "Killer Mountain". In reality, as all experts agree emphasize the Mountain is not bad: it's just a severe environment - especially in winter and bad weather! - Reserve and faces to those who love surprises so superficial and imprudent. This is true also for the high Apennines!
now in the warmth of the malls is material quality hiking and backcountry skiing and plenty of cheap, available to everyone. But do not just buy the best equipment: you should be able to use. And you have to accumulate experience on the ground, before launching into more challenging tours.
It is therefore essential to attend the courses of CAI, such as the next course of winter-walking to be held from January to March 2011 at the Bologna CAI (see photo for details, see also the NEWS blog in the top right).

Finally, not only ski-mountaineers, but also the hikers with snowshoes and / or crampons should pay attention to weather conditions, snow, snow cover in the days before the excursion, and in particular visit http://www.meteomont.org/ that region to region, with bulletins updated every 24 hours providing all this valuable information. For this the beginning of the winter season resume to publish weekly updates on the bulletin Meteomont Emilia Romagna region (see above).
Remember: do not transform a hike in a day to forget. And we have the courage to give up if the weather conditions and / or snow conditions are not favorable ...

Giovanni Mazzanti

Ncket Big Brast Indian

THE "FOLIAGE" IN HIGH APPENNINO

After showing the colors of autumn in Indiana (USA) for a level playing field, I can not even offer you images of "foliage" snatched on our High Apennines in a gloomy day in late October and rainy, but that occasionally gave some sun rays.

Our fall colors are not as intense as the vivid red and yellow leaves of maple trees of North America, also because here is the master beech tree - strong and beautiful, however. However, the range of yellow-orange-brown, alternating with light green leaves not yet fallen and the dark green of fir trees is undoubtedly beautiful, and contrasts even more with the dark background of the sullen sky.
And then, as if by magic the rain is over and the day ended in glory, even with a lot of rainbow.
So, as always, APPENNINO The VIVA!

Giovanni Mazzanti