Dolomites mid june 2009

[Ragged Robin]

Brian, thanks so much for posting those magnificent views and terrains, not to mention rock strata that you captured with a head for heights!  I think both regions of the mountains have their own magical call and perhaps it is the solitude and time to think that heightens the experience of discovery whether it is rare or common - could also be the adrenaline rush getting to the top 

In between the views you found some real gems - linaria-alpina is something I would love to see in situ -  the colour combination says it all: 'look at me!'

Bees must have a head for heights too - I wonder if they have to acclimatise 

[Paul T]

Robin,

That Linaria was the most impressive pic for me too.  Such a fantastic colour.

[Lori S.]

Such amazingly beautiful places!  Thank you for posting!

[cohan]

holy cow! (speaking of religious experiences
thanks for the wonderful tour, ian--both plants and views are incredible!
for me there is nothing like the extreme environments and the plants that inhabit them--i love forests and meadows and ponds too, of course, but high alpine areas, deserts, windswept plateaus and cliffs with the few species specialised enough to thrive in these severe places-- usually small, with interesting foliage and outsized flowers--all my favourite things!

[ranunculus]

We are out here in Corvara in the Dolomites enjoying these magnificent places for ourselves once again.  We are in the middle of a sixteen day wildflower-walk leading holiday and the meadows and screes are superb, simply overflowing with orchids, campanulas, gentianellas and a veritable host of other glorious blooms.  Many images to post on our return.  We have tried to post a number during our stay but the internet connection will not allow such extravagances. 
Best wishes and kind regards to you all.

[Martinr]

Cliff, please leave a few flowers for next week won't you. I don't want them all camera shy because you've been overdoing it!

[Ragged Robin]

We are out here in Corvara in the Dolomites enjoying these magnificent places for ourselves once again.  We are in the middle of a sixteen day wildflower-walk leading holiday and the meadows and screes are superb, simply overflowing with orchids, campanulas, gentianellas and a veritable host of other glorious blooms.  Many images to post on our return.  We have tried to post a number during our stay but the internet connection will not allow such extravagances. 
Best wishes and kind regards to you all.

Wondered why it was all so quiet on the Dolomite front after you posted the blue butterfly - can't wait to see your photos on your return - have a great time 

[Maggi Young]

Robin ...and others...... don't forget that in the main SRGC website, under the Monthly Feature section: se here:  http://www.srgc.org.uk/monthfeature/content.html    ......
there are no less than SIX articles by Cliff on the Dolomites, the articles are titled  
Land Of Coral - Mountains Of Dreams ... there are hundreds of photos!
Enjoy!

Also, apart from two Dolomite threads in the forum this year, there are  also two from previous years in the forum......
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=734.0 and http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2111.0.


 And.... in the Old Forum.... there is this: http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/4/36776.html  from Franz H. in 2006.

So, not to put a  damper on anyone, but there is no shortage of photo reports from the Dolomites to enjoy!

[ranunculus]

Many thanks for that, Maggi ... I have still managed to take 1700 images so far (with almost a week to go), so the flowers, landscapes, pollinators and local interest shots are still available in these incredible mountains.

Thanks Robin for your kind anticipation - lots of interesting images will no doubt appear when time allows.

Martin,
We have left enchanting meadows untouched, magnificent screes untrod, burgeoning woodlands unsullied and untold thousands of orchids unphotographed - weather permitting you should have a field day!   Pralongia, Sella, Cinque Torre, the meadows on the Pordoi, Val Gardena, Piz Boe, the screes above the EidelwiesserHutte, Campitello, etc. etc. - all are awaiting you - have a magnificent time and we await your thousands of images with equal and eager anticipation.  The sun is coming out this week and the flowers are performing to their very best.

[Martinr]

Droolls uncontrollably at the prospect......then remembers he has to keep the boss happy as well I seem to remember the 'yes, we can go but you're not spending two weeks staring at flowers!' statement.

[ranunculus]

As an indicator, Martin, during the past few days we have seen Ranunculus glacialis, Eritrichium nanaum, Linaria alpina, Soldanellas by the hundred and Geum reptans in full bloom at the top of the Porta Vescova cable car out of Arabba; We have enjoyed meadows of many thousands of orchids on Pralongia; the screes and cliffs below Sassongher are alive with Ranunculus alpestris, Thlaspi rotundifolium, Potentilla nitida rubra, Paederota bonarota and various gentians by the bucket loads.
You are almost guaranteed to see most of your special plants, but not Cypripedium of course, they have gone over at Campitello.
My absolute recommendation though is to visit Cinque Torre and spend an eternity strolling this magnificent site - you will find everything from Pulsatilla alpina (and apiifolia), P. vernalis (STILL in bloom), Gentiana acaulis and G. verna at their best, Trollius, soldanellas making their holes in the remaining snow, Primula farinosa, Clematis alpina, louseworts in profusion, geraniums, Dactylorhiza majalis swarms and too many other beautiful plants to list.
Have a tremendous holiday and enjoy!

[Ragged Robin]

It must be paradise Cliff to be in 7th heaven 

[Martinr]

Thanks for the tips Cliff. I wonder how many handbags going all those places is going to cost me!

[David Nicholson]

Go on Martin, be the master in your own house!!

[Martinr]

You're living dangerously David, the boss reads this stuff over my shoulder