Monday, May 4, 2009

Spring in the Italian Alps


It's been a wet, chilly winter here on the Oregon coast and signs of spring are imminent and welcome. Nine time zones to the east.....







...with more photos from Giacomo, about a recent trip up into the Alps from the Venice lagoon, evidence a very different story!
























The first views are of the Alps in the near distance, over the lagoon, and then from a more intimate perspective.

Brrrrr!!

Many thanks to Giacomo for his fine photos!
.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Michael,
I believe these are the Dolomites which, although considered to be part of the Alps, are quite distinctive in their geology and appearance. The scenery there is breathtaking, especially when approaching any of the passes with views down into gorgeous valleys. And, as you can see in the photos taken at sea level, the range is visible from throughout the region of Veneto.

Regards,
Michael Hayden

doryman said...

Giacomo has a special affinity for the juxtaposition of sea with mountains. He considers himself privileged to live in Venice.
And takes a lot of nice photos of his home.

Dolomite. That would be CaMg(CO3)2?

Anonymous said...

Yep, that's the chemical composition. A lot of the stone appeared to be dolomitic limestone to me and had a warmer hue than granite, especially in the evening alpenglow. Tucked in among the peaks are small valleys surrounded by evergreens, which reminded me of Oregon, where I was born and raised (but I now live back East in Ohio). Another fantastic scene of snowcapped mountains and the sea can be enjoyed halfway down the boot near Pescara (also on the Adriatic, like Venezia). Looking landward, you can see the Gran Sasso and La Maella massifs, to the northwest and southwest, respectively. From the summit of the Gran Sasso, you can see downward and westward to L'Aquila, where the recent earthquake did so much damage, and eastward to Pescara and the Adriatic. The distance to the sea is relatively small, so it's more spectacular than the view from atop the Sisters in some ways.

doryman said...

There is no paternal history in my family, but for many reasons I have a deep affinity for the Adriatic. I suspect I have ancient roots there, but more probably the near eastern shore. My friend Giacomo says there is great sailing there.

Is there a connection between all things after all? My family came to Oregon for good reason, I believe.

doryman said...

Michael, you had me going! I thought you might be the infamous Michael Vincent Hayden, former head of the CIA and the NSA. That's not you, is it?

Anonymous said...

That's confidential information...

doryman said...

What part of the (most beautiful) state are you from?

Anonymous said...

Born in Tillamook, grew up near Willamette Pass. How about you?

doryman said...

I am of pioneer stock. The family moved to Banks from Wisconsin (before that is anybody's guess)to steal farm land from the natives.
Then lost it to delinquent taxes.
By the time I came along, another farm near Gresham had long since been sold to developers. I grew up on the remaining two acres, with Mt Hood in my "back yard".