Dolomites July 2009

[Ragged Robin]

What lovely things in your latest batch, Cliff.....Campanula Faces made me smile but altogether the atmosphere of the place comes through in your images and it becomes a real-time view - looking forward to next postings 

[ranunculus]

Many thanks Brian and Robin.  So pleased you are enjoying these initial images.

[Cephalotus]

Cliff,
you brought with you great photos from Dolomites. They have really fantastic nature. I must admit, that some species grow even in much higher number than in my country. Maybe because they are much bigger and higher mountains. Some species are the same as in Tatras, but some do not grow in my country. I think, that when I get know everything in Tatras, I will have to go to Dolomites.

Cheers,
Chris

[Maggi Young]

I am flattered by your "gifts" of the Dryas and stained glass, Cliff.... gratefully received.
  With the beautiful markings on the butterfly wings, one is tempted to think of them as being stained glass art, too.

Photos are fab....... the mountains seem as clear as if one were actually viewing them.

Must remark about Garden Rock from reply 12....... that mini garden is as perfect as if Johnnny Dower has been up there planting them! 

[ranunculus]

Many thanks Chris and Maggi ... Johnny D.'s garden would have had more height!   

Another couple of postings for this afternoon ...


Firstly ...

Globularias - large mats - cordifolia and repens
Helianthemum cushion
Phyteuma/Leontopodium alpinum
Phyteuma in crevice
Phyteuma/Leontopodium alpinum 2
Pinguicula leptoceras

[Cephalotus]

Cliff, my first thought about the Pinguicula is P. leptoceras. But I will try to identify this plant for you.

[ranunculus]

Thanks Chris ... but it was already identified in the text above.

Second batch for this afternoon ...

Trollius europaeus 1
Trollius europaeus 2
Timber garden
Thymus blooms
Rustic decoration (on the side of a barn)
Potentilla/Achillea
Potentilla nitida rubra close
Potentilla nitida rubra decay

[ranunculus]

Final batch for today ...

A few more shots of Potentilla nitida rubra on the path to Puez from Eidelweisserhutte ...

[Paddy Tobin]

Cliff,

As always, the photographs are beautiful; the next best thing to actually being there. That potentilla is simply outstanding, a real beauty.

I know there are more to come and I look forward to them.

Paddy

[Luc Gilgemyn]

You did it again Cliff !
You're upgrading The Dolomites once more ! They should give you a statue over there ... (or a free stay...  )
The flowers are immaculate, the views are stunning !
Don't let me keep you from posting (lots) more !!!

[Peter Maguire]

Lovely pictures Cliff, and you seem to have had fabulous weather as well. At least I can now plan next year's holiday destination .

The butterfly pictures are impressive - I suspect some time was spent stalking them? Incidentally, they weren't identified; the blue butterflies (upper and lower views) seem to be the Cranberry Blue (Vacciniina optilete). The other one could be one of a number of Fritillary species, possibly Heath Fritillary (Mellicta athalia).

Peter

[ranunculus]

Thank you very kindly gents!

Peter, I really appreciate your butterfly identifications and I'm sure that the Dolomites would welcome you with open arms next summer - if you need any advice then please don't hesitate to ask?

In the past I have taken you all to one of our favourite spots - Cinque Torre - a maze of dolomite towers, cliffs, screes and meadows - well, we went back again this year and it was magnificent.  The next six postings (and other postings later probably) will all feature images captured at this wonderful site, which also features a superb open-air trenches display and a welcoming rifugio for drinks and cakes (down Maggi).

CINQUE TORRE AND A FEW OF THE PLANTS TO BE FOUND THERE

ALLIUM SCHOENOPRASUM ssp. ALPINUM
CLEMATIS ALPINA
GAGEA FRAGIFERA

[ranunculus]

Still at Cinque Torre ... (by the way - it can be found on the road from Arabba to Cortina, about two miles further on than the Laguzoi cable car).


DACTYLORHIZA MAJALIS - HUGE COLONIES NEAR THE MELTING SNOW BANKS
GENTIANA ACAULIS
HEDYSARUM HEDYSAROIDES

[ranunculus]

Final batch for this morning ... still at Cinque Torre ... there is a chair-lift up to the rifugio for those of a less athletic nature!


HORMINUM PYRENAICUM
NIGRITELLA RUBRA
PAEDEROTA BONAROTA
POTENTILLA NITIDA RUBRA
GENTIANA VERNA

[Paddy Tobin]

Cliff,

You always seem to have good weather when you go to the Dolomites. It this the case or are your photographs selected to show the best?

Paddy