ATDTDA 724... DOLOMITES

[Glenn Scheper]

The Dolomites in Italy, or Il Dolomiti in Italia, are some of the most jagged 
peaks on Earth. This region is truly an alpine paradise. Supposedly these 
mountains were formed from ancient reefs, and therefore they pop up in clusters, 
or groups, instead of traditional straight ranges. Between these jagged, 
towering groups of mountains are gentle grassy meadows filled with wildflowers 
and Bavarian alpine towns. Hikers can travel from town to town using the towns 
as basecamp for day hikes, or for longer hikes they can sleep in the numerous 
alpine huts situated high up in the mountains. The Dolomites are also famous for 
their "via ferrata" climbing routes. Via ferrata means "iron way", and these 
routes have fixed cables that climbers can clip into for safety. This makes it 
possible for hikers and novice climbers to safely climb large, steep routes that 
normally would only be the domain of experienced climbers. The via ferrata have 
a fascinating history; they were initially installed by Italian and Austrian 
troops who fought a ferocious battle against each other in the Dolomites during 
the First World War. Tunnels, bunkers, and other relics of the war are found 
throughout the peaks of this region. More info about via ferratas here. Click on 
an image to view it larger and order prints.
  -- http://www.widerange.org/gallery.php?gallery=dolomites
  Dolomites, Italy : Mountain Photography by Jack Brauer

This is what most people who have been in the presence of these gigantic rock 
formations say. Compared to other mountains: brighter, more colorful, more 
monumental, and seeming to be architecturally inspired. Formed 200 millions 
years ago out of the primeval ocean, today they reach 3,000 metres into the sky. 
Déodat de Dolomieu (1750-1801) discovered and defined the unique composition of 
the stone, giving the mountains their name. Now they are among the UNESCO 
nominees for consideration as natural heritage sites.
  -- http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/welcome.html
  Dolomiti.org: Official Website for the eastern Dolomites Italy

The mountains are formed of light-colored dolomitic limestone, which erosion has 
carved into grotesque shapes.
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Famous for their strikingly bold outline (a stairstep effect created by erosion 
of alternate layers of soft and hard rock) and for their vivid colors at sunrise 
and sunset, the Dolomites are ideal for mountain climbing and skiing.
  -- http://www.answers.com/dolomites%26r=67
  Dolomite Alps: Definition and Much More from Answers.com

Yours truly,
Glenn Scheper
http://home.earthlink.net/~glenn_scheper/
glenn_scheper + at + earthlink.net
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