Day 4 - Bolzano to Cortina

The Alps

A view of the Alps from hotel room

Rain, Rain, Snow and more Rain…..that was Day 4.

This is not quite the Italian Mediterranean adventure I had envisioned, but it is very interesting.

A couple of observations:

First, the mountains of the Italian Alps are full of vineyards. I had expected it when we were in Barolo, but as we climbed higher into the Alps, there were miles and miles of vineyards.

Second, where there were no vineyards, there were apple orchards. Go figure….Italy famous for apples? We must have driven 400k and it was wall-to-wall apple orchards.

The trees vary in shape, but each one is loaded with fruit…..I assume harvest time is coming soon.

As we get closer to the Swiss and Austrian border, just to our north, the architecture has changed dramatically. Many of the A-Frame farm houses look like they came out Switzerland. Gardens, barns and fields are well manicured. Even the names of hotels and restaurants are in German; the Italian influence fades away as you get higher into the Alps.

And now for the rally update….

The view from our cocktail bar in Cortina

Four Regularities today; all in the rain or snow.

First one -- we were 13 seconds fast.

Second one -- we were three seconds fast, but the timer had a problem with his timing equipment and the whole Regularity may be thrown out….just our luck!

Third one we were 2 seconds slow; pretty good.

Fourth one was perfect. Spot-on, the ideal time….finally!

For the next two nights we’re in Cortina D’Ampezzo at the Cristallo Resort and Spa, a beautiful hotel with picturesque views of the ski slopes and the Alps.

Finally, a quick comment about the organizers....Rally the Globe. They are doing a terrific job. First class hotels; A+ meals; and Route Book that I can understand. The other competitors (all European) are friendly, helpful and fun to be with. My only complaint is that I could use a bit more sun…..I don’t like the cold.