Santa Maddalena

I spent my first 2 days hiking around Santa Maddalena in the Val di Funes in the northern Dolomites. The first day was spent driving around the area, investigating photography opportunities. Fortunately, the incredibly impressive Funes Crest periodically peeked out of the clouds throughout the afternoon & evening. I got some great shots of both the Santa Maddalena and St. Johann churches, with the Funes in the background. That late evening, I explored by car high above the village and, coming back, stumbled upon the neighboring village’s St. Pietro Church cemetery filled with lit votive candles. There was no one there, so I don’t know if this is a daily occurrence or what, but it was beautiful. The next day was spent hiking out of the Zannes trailhead up to the Col di Poma and then around the backside of the crest. The wildflowers were at their peak, but unfortunately the Funes Crest remained shrouded in clouds during the entire hike. And it was quite a hike – 12+ miles and over 4000 feet of very steep climbing. The crest did come out briefly in later afternoon and I used the opportunity to shoot the beautiful St. Johann church again, this time from its meadow.

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Santa Maddalena:

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