Photo: Desiree on boulders

Mon Sep 7 Today started with a big descent that we broke up at R. Vazzoler where we had coffee and a snack. Darryl and Richard came along as we sat outside at tables in the yard. Always good to see those guys. We decided that we’d have a celebration dinner with them in Belluno as we’d be at the same hotel. We also had another rocky boulder field to cross as well. What goes up must come down and a stiff climb followed. We passed R. Bruno Carestiato (the guys were staying here) but we had to continue steeply down to Passo Duran at the road for our rifugio Sebastiano. It was very nice, another private room with bath. It was run by an old fellow and he was very friendly. We bumped into two other Monttrekking hikers, which proved providential. We’d been following the weather report (up to now we have had beautiful sunny, warm days) and our last day looked nasty. Thunderstorms were predicted and the percentage was 100! Desiree expressed her decision not to do the final day as planned – it was going to be a long one with a big ascent (almost 3000 feet) and even bigger descent (5000 feet) in exposed terrain. The two other Monttrekking guys were making a similar decision. From our next stop, Malga Pramper, there was a gravel road out to Zoldo…small town that was on the road that Monttrekking would take to get to the original meeting spot. We both had emailed the office and then called to ask if they could pick us up at the alternate place – and they were okay with that. We also sadly found out that Richard had done a face plant on the trail and banged up his face; their hike was over. Monttrekking had booked them the next night at R. Sebastiano and would pick them up the final day! Great service by Monttrekking! Early evening brought a thunderstorm, but it was okay by morning. Good dinner.