Coral Gardena

In the afternoon, I packed up and set off to the east, crossing the ski town of Selva Wolkenstein. A mountain cycle race called Hero was on today. Pity I had not registered.

The road wound it's way like a snake up the green hills. I cranked slowly up to (Grödnerjoch) Gardena pass, which gives the valley its name. The pass runs past the Sella group of mountains. This incredible massif rises straight towards the sky, baring it's massive and textured rock face to distract us puny travelers on the road.

This whole massif used to be coral reefs in the tropical ocean. I could see ancient coral reefs growing up to keep up with the rising sea level. Then there are broad and tall mesas which were once coral atolls. The geology of the Dolomites is fascinating and splendid.

Looking up at these marvelous rocks as I crossed the Gardena pass at 2135 m, I realized I have never been deeper in a coral reef.Read more