Our second adventure took us onto the Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi. This leads out over a ridge from the Rifugio Lorenzi to the summit of Cima De Mezzo 3154m, a peak in the Cristallo Group.
We set out in absolutely brilliant conditions, the brightness and the deep blue of the sky were stunning.
We arrived at the summit in good order, had some food, and then returned.
About 1/4 of the way back I managed to rupture the Achilles tendon in my right foot, and what had been a moderately difficult route, suddenly became a more painful and arduous undertaking.
At the 1/2 way stage we were then enveloped in a thunder storm, and the flash/bang time intervals became increasingly worrying. The local electrical forces resulted in the hairs on my forearms stretching out stiffly in time with the potential build up and discharge. We sat the storm out for a while and were glad of our helmets in the hailstorm that followed.
Eventually we regained the Rifugio and after the cable cars returned us to the pass, a visit to the local hospital followed. The care I received at the hospital in Cortina was first class. As I write this, I gaze at a bright red resin-cast on my leg, fitted at my local hospital in the UK. Thomas was able to complete another two VF's before our return home.
Map:- Tabacco 03, 25,000, Guide:- Cicerone VF of ID, Vol1, CORT5.
