Evening view from Cinque Torri

At the beginning of July Robin and I drive to Cortina in the Dolomites. The beautiful and spectacular Dolomites which still wow me and this is my 3rd trip here.
Massive mountain range on the Italian and Austrian boarder were a battle ground for territory in the 1st world war.
Remnants of remains are still high up in the mountains and can be seen by the many walks and via Ferrata.
Having been here before gives us a leg up on logistic and we soon settle in.
We spend a few days around  Cinque Torri refreshing ourselves back into the rock after the granite of Val dell Orco.

Evening spot on the Sella Pass

After a few days we drive to the Sella Pass following a bike race through the Falzarego Pass.
One of our objectives is #3 Sella tower on a previous trip we've completed routes on #1 and #2.
We get up very early on a cloudy day and are the first at the base of the climb followed by a trio of Slovakian climbers.

The Sella towers, Sella Pass.

We spend the entire climb surrounded by misty clouds but it's a very enjoyable climb, shame about the descent which is overly complicated but we make it down ok.
The next day we try Schubert/ Route of Friendship on Piz Ciavazes. I'm feeling a little fatigued from #3 Sella tower and struggle a little but Robin enjoys the route.

On Piz Ciavazes

We spend the week around Sella doing some more routes on Piz Ciavazes and a blissful day relaxing in the local Canazei swimming pool allowing the jets to soothe our aches.

Robin, Julian and Pilar before climbing Comici on the Falzarego towers.

Mid July we have some friends from London coming to the Dolomites for the first time. Pilar and Julian camp at the local campsite while we park at Cinque Torri.
It's nice to have other company we enjoy showing them around and Robin has someone to talk routes with.
We spend some of our time either doing the same routes, via Ferrata or letting them discover the Dolomites.

via ferrata Ivano Dibona

They have been extremely lucky and managed 6 days of good  climbing weather before the storms reappear.

Finlandia

Robin has an objective of Finlandia we've tried the first to pitches a couple of times and had to bail due to conditions. The day comes when the timing is perfect  nervously Robin heads up the corner pitch knowing it's now or regret it later.
I find the corner pitch for me has gotten better with practice but when it comes to traversing it's a different story.
I have a mini epic as I over grip with fear and completely pump my left fore arm.
Thankfully Robin is patience and supportive and I eventually get through it.
Robin thoroughly enjoys the challenge of the climb as we top out he's jubilant.

Summit selfie after Finlandia