Serra Dolcedorme (2267 metres), the highest peak of the southern Apennines

Sunday, May 25, a large group of CAI "G. De Lorenzo" Lagonegro, including the couple TheScazzariddoFace Domenico & Dominic, became the protagonist of a long trip between the highest peaks of the Park Pollino, and the southern Appennine. The group has gathered at the Colle dell'Impiso, and then to involato plans Vacquarro (1453 metres). So far the pace set by our mister Fabio Limongi is to be considered rather bland, thinking that would leave a path well longer than we had expected. From here follow a path that enters a forest, which stretches opens in charming plots, split in half by a stream. First stop scheduled at the source Spezzavummola, at an altitude of 1665 metres. Rigenerati by stopping us is moving towards Gaudolino Plan (1684 meters), in which the pleasing sight of a herd of wild boar (for a certain safe distance, of course), about thirty seconds Fabio, who, fearless, it was considerably closer for some shots, which among others attracted the attention of wild pigs, which, frightened, have fallen away towards the ridges of Pollinello. The scenario that opens here in our eyes is nothing short of fabulous: a plateau green, between the typical Loricati pines and green lit senior shrubs, interspersed with Abeti white, green top of the Serra del Prete that overlooks the Scheme which by contrast the white snow that falls towards the gullies, and at the bottom of the floor, a wooden hut with a small fence! It then goes on to the top of Pollino, taking a steep path that leads us, including Pini Loricati, west of the summit. Going meet the first snow, mainly in places dolina points in the furrows and nature of karst. One of these, presented beside a crevasse, from which we were able to estimate a thickness of at least 7-8 meters of snow layered as if they were more sheets seats one over the other. By way of precaution we preferred "circumnavigare" the snow field, to avoid the formation of new crevasses and then help us precisely from Fabio, which would mean, besides the figuraccia, the severe rebuke of our mister! And so we come on top of Pollino (2248 metres) over which take place photos of the classic rite, and then we head quickly towards Dolcedorme. Scendiamo along the ridge south, up to 2000 metres altitude, and then go back and stop under a Pino Loricato for alimentarci, development of the first final. It is again the case, and arrive at an altitude of 2267 meters of altitude of Serra Dolcedorme, as already anticipated, the top higher dell'Appennino south. From here is a scenario to 360 ° significant, ranging from littoral metapontino and Taranto to the east, Sibaritide south-east, the chain of Sila in the south, the dam Tarsia, Chain Coast with Cozzo del Pellegrino highlighted south-west, the nearest peaks dell'Orsomarso and Coppola Paola west, the cities of Castrovillari and Morano Calabro, Walnut Valley Northwest, with furrows Sirino by snow, Mount Alps to the north, Senise the dam in the north-east. Not to mention the feeling of domination on plans Pollino, with peaks of the Serra of Ciavole and Greenhouse Crispo. It descends from the other side this time, crossing a couple of snowfields. How to tell the fantastic feeling to walk in the snow in shorts, the pleasant thrill you involves the coolness of snow on calves when the heels sink in the snowy layer ... a different way and divertende to tackle the descent, usually the party usually more trekking boring! We have therefore in the plans of Pollino, and we stop at a attimino a inghiottitoio Origin karst, which adopted plumes of steam for the major difference between internal and external temperature. Continuing the journey along the floors, accomplice fatigue and the consequent lack of lucidity, we face a moment of relative difficulty to identify our path that will lead us to base: in practice we are facing a stretch wavy, and every off from scollinare is as if we had the feeling of being reached, but soon we realize that our journey has not yet intersected the path that interests us. Intrapreso the much agognato path, we head at the fountain Rummo, where supply of fresh water our bottles, before continuing our descent towards plans Vacquarro, and from there Colle dell'Impiso, where they parked the car!

Exercise with the rescue helicopter

Tuesday, May 20, the first exercise of elisoccorso for new aspirants station Alpine Rescue and Speleological of Mount Sirino-Maratea-Monte Alps. Among them, including Dominic 'or Blonde, absent the other hand, Domenico (Fubbetto). The exercise took place around dell'invaso artificial Montecutugno, in the town of Senise, with a helicopter HH3F dell'Areonautica the Italian Air Force, from Brindisi. At the same time, our friends aspiring rescuers were recovered from the winch of the helicopter. Great enthusiasm among the participants for a successful test!

83 volunteers for the joint exercise

Before exercise research on the surface to aspiring rescuers station Lauria. Included in the couple Domenico & Domenico (TheScazzariddoFace). Here's how it took place the day (Article taken from the blog Delegation Alpina Calabrese): As per programme, yesterday (Sunday, May 4) was held the exercise research dispersed, together with the regional services Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia. Ben 83 volunteers were used, 3 doctors, 2 nurses and one unit cinofila research surface. Everything was held in the beautiful setting of Piano Ruggio, Pollino. The route to operations was given by the President of the National Park Pollino on. Pappaterra which, in healthy volunteers of the Alpine Rescue present, has also promised that in the short, the Park will grant financial support to their stations of the Alpine Rescue operating on the territory of the park itself. From now on, were formed 6 teams, of which 4 engaged in the areas for bars to comb, 1 engaged in the path of a trail at high altitudes and a team medicalizzata emergency. E 'should be stressed that everything was monitored by the operations room, specially set up (with a PC, printer, radio room, generator), through the revelation of GPS which each team was in possession. A complex system made it possible to split the area of research in several areas, each area was beaten by a team that through the GPS has avoided leaving cd holes, which previously made the search for the person dispersed very approximate. One problem was the sudden ill-functioning of the new radio, installed in the morning on top of the Timpone Capanna. But perhaps this has made even more real simulation, putting to the test our radio and experts who had to coordinate the whole operation. Once found scattered (injured) recovery was brought to completion by medicalizzata team, which meanwhile was in "reserve" to base camp. " To note the presence of numerous agents of the Guardia Forest, a number of journalists of print media, RAI Basilicata and Chairman of CAI of Castrovillari. Everything ended at 17:30. The "red angels" of mountain (Article by Vincenzo Alvaro, taken from Slow Time, Daily Emerson of Communication) Plan Ruggio (PCS) - These are the 10.40 Sunday morning, when the first two teams of CNSAS (Alpine Rescue Corps National Speleological and, in the photo of Gianni De Marco) start searching for two missing hikers. Shortly thereafter we will move other three teams to give strong man to reconnaissance environments share, in the heart of Park Pollino. The emergency talks of two missing hikers on the top of Serra del Prete. Part thus facilitating research in surface by rescue teams and reconnaissance of the Alpine Rescue, which are responsible for perlustrare the area of emergency in order to intercept the two people who raised the alarm. For each team a piece of mountain view from palm to palm. From base camp, implanted on the plan Ruggio, a few metres from the hut De Gasperi, the operations room set up to coordinate the operation inside a tent, follows closely the movements of radio rescuers, waiting for news have contact with the missing . On the lawn of rescue medical team expects the evolving operations and monitor instruments and means for a possible call for action. Everything as in reality, but fortunately is only an exercise to test the degree of operationality of the men, all volunteers, who belong to the Alpine Rescue. The "angels" in red suit and black bordature that throughout the years soccorrono several dozen "unfortunate" that the mountain some little hard condemnation naivety or superficiality too many. They are all over eighty-three (see photo of Eugenio Iannelli), coordinated by the two regional managers of Calabria and Basilicata, from stations rescue regions of Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia. Together for a tutorial that potrarrà until late afternoon. In the morning the volunteers are divided into five teams coordinated by a team leader, at which the referents of base camp allocate an area of operation, marked on a map. The time to control imbraghi, carabiners, ropes, backpacks, coordinate the style of intervention and street party. Before two teams, then the other three. All to "hunt" of the missing. Climb on mechanical means to reach areas of operation. Then walk away, climbing along the ridge of Serra del Prete. In horizontal row watching the mountain centimeters per centimetre looking for a visual contact with hikers in distress (CNSAS two volunteers who are provided where appropriate). More climb over the scenario of intervention becomes complicated. The snow is high more than a meter, but rescue teams must not give up find people in distress. After more than two hours of a research team identifies the almost below the top of Serra del Prete. The call to base camp is instantaneous. "Found!" But is one of the two wounded to a leg and scenderlo downstream of the need for health. From base camp the team medicalizzata (which uses 3 doctors and 2 nurses), all equipped point, moves quickly. With the GPS arrive "in the mouth" to the injured in men who do not tell. You mount the stretcher (pictured here Vincenzo Malfone) transported to shoulder in a backpack ad hoc and with the help of ropes to descend harness - with accurate speed - downstream where the operation culminating in a general applause. Good times satisfy men once again, on the ground, have proved their efficiency and operations. Luke Franzese, regional director of Calabria CNSAS seems satisfied with the work of its men. As proud of them the President of Pollino National Park, Domenico Pappaterra, that at the beginning of operations intervened to express his greetings to the volunteers. At his side also the President of Cai of Castrovillari, Eugenio Iannelli and inspectors of the State Forestry Corps, which in true emergencies cooperate side side with rescuers volunteers. In his brief speech Pappaterra has emphasized that the body in the new budget recently approved has wanted to give a sign of closeness to a sector so important. Qualifying these volunteers means to give security to those who want to live in the mountains freedom, but full compliance with the rules.

The first intervention to rescue Domenico 'or blond!

Tuesday, April 29, is given the alarm: an old lady was lost in the countryside between Senise and San Severino Lucano. Tempestivo intervention by the newly station Alpine Rescue "Monte Sirino-Maratea-Monte Alpi," headed by Fabio Limongi for research in this area. Among the soccoritori, Domenico 'or Blonde takes faith to find and take part as its first emergency intervention. Met and enthusiastic for non-indifferent organisation, Domenico returned to Lauria after more than 10 hours of walking. Unfortunately, the next day is given ceased alarm: the elderly lady was found esamine not far from the point of last sighting. Not only have to congratulate the rescue teams intervened, and the novice Domenico, who was able to tell this new experience.

On Mount sirino walk with snowshoes

09-03-08-After a period of inactivity, dictated by commitments sovraordinati, rieccoci for an outing on massive Sirino. We start from the junction leading to the Shrine of Our Lady of Sirino, lagonegrese side, and we go through a dense forest of beech snow, in a climate that, as the road climbs, it becomes increasingly surreal. Once again we do not find the right words to describe the magical sounds of a mountain, the slight rustle of the wind, the snow that falls from moments branches of the trees and our breaths affannati impervious to climb. In the first part, our journey has followed a straight line, cutting so many turns that characterize the rise and which are submerged in snow almost confused with the rest of the slope. There appears for a moment in front of Mount Pope among clouds, can be seen on the left Val d'Agri, invaded the Petrusillo and the wind farm. And 'only a small respite, the sky immediately closes a hedgehog, visibility is poor to say the least, while the Monte Sirino draws near, yet hidden from our eyes grey clouds. We came close to the Fontanelle, from here you should see Lauria, but this time we barely see the mountain that rises imposing front of us. Here we expect the last effort of the day, with a tear really challenging, between ice and snow. We finally spiazzale in the Sanctuary, for the latter half submerged in snow. We are at 1908 meters, and unfortunately this time we are deprived of the vast panorama that this mountain can offer its visitors. Without the photos rite on the sanctuary (unique background possible between nuvoloni around us), began sad descent satisfied to have reached a place so remote in adverse weather conditions.

Greetings to blond!

25 Feb 2008-Domenico Cantisani ( 'or blond), has today 24 years. A sincere wish by member!

A tireless our mister Fabio Limongi: conquer the Kilimanjaro (5895)

Pole pole! The first news from Tanzania, where our mister Fabio Limongi was cimentando nell'ennesima mountaineering expedition, we have received on February 23 from Karanka to 4000 meters and 2 fields for the final attack, using a telegraphic message that we ensured that all the same proceeding for the best. Scongiurato any symptoms of sore mountain, we are all anxious the fateful message "top, top"! Pass just two days, Monday and Feb. 25, the day of celebration for Lauria, our phones comes the much agognata news "this morning , the Kilimanjaro (5895) speaks LUCANO "....!!" Among others, took part in the expedition on the continent black friend Luigi Savaglia, Bisignano (CS), which can now boast of being the first Italian youngest to have conquered the summit of Kilimanjaro, which should be the Our best wishes. As for Fabio, we can only try pride for companies of our fellow citizen, and our master in the field of mountaineering, which turn our congratulations for another company to be added to the already rich palmarès, which include, in addition to African giant, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the Island Peak in Nepal. In the hope that the next appointment illustrious company and can get "a little romperti boxes", Lauria ricambiamo affectionately sent to us to nothing less than the peak of Kilimanjaro! A short blog will be updated by Fabio (http://fabiolimongi.it/) with the story and photos of the expedition.

Mount Alps

Group decimated for this sunny, but windy, Sunday in January. To settle the direct troops on Mount Alps are Tutino, Domenico Di Domenico and leave Miraglia, absent Domenico Cantisani ( 'or Blonde) for the purpose of study, plus Henry and Fabio to form the trio of distinguished absent. It starts at the foot the massive mountain resort in the Alps Footer, 1070 meters, and immediately we head into a canyon, sometimes snow on the ground. Subentriamo successvamente in a forest, also snow, which finished us a break based blood of the area. There are no words to describe the view from here: to see the entire valley that extends to the foot of the massive Sirino is almost the feeling of being behind the window of an airplane to look from a vast portion of territory. But there is not much time to look around, so immediately you again, and, under the influence of dopante pudding, is imprinted suffered a rapid pace to climb, which henceforth will present more of the obstacle strong gusts wind, whose speed, estimated at sentiment from Tutino, would be around the 70-75 km / h. In the wisdom of Tutino, is not indifferent wind action today, so every step costs us twice, if not three times, fatigue. Come after about two and a half hours after departure on the summit, 1903 meters, the wind here is stronger, only sin we forgot to film the exciting moment of the summit, almost seems the k2, between wind and snow. We are forced to pause little, the time of some hasty photo on the ridge east, a little more protected, and then straight down into the wood that gives us the right protection from the wind. A new path, then that needs to be rebuilt as soon as combines the beauty of the landscape and amenicità limestone rocks where he dwells pine loricato, with the difficulty Altitude and the evocative presence of ice and wind, to make still our most heroic effort.

Tracks year-end on Mount Pope (2005 mt)

Sunday, 30 December 2007. Last round of 2007 for CAI members, and what's better than the highest peak of our downstream (upstream Pope, with its 2005 mt) to close beauty in our first year associates? In addition the rise is not the usual, already addressed in several instances, but presents a variation unknown to us until now. So after be gathered in loc. Pecorone of Lauria, before the hut of Mountain Rescue, we head towards our beloved ski resort to Preserve Lauria, where are our friends and Vincenzo Pasqualino. Well yes, happening right here in our close encounter with Vincent, the "mad man of snow Lauria (un'inconfutabile test for those who still do not believe the existence of the Yeti), which greets us warmly and, as in His style, sends us his very picturesque good wishes for the day (not could not also invite to a well-known destination). He thus beginning the journey, which initially winds along the path of skiing, until the Laudemio Lake, at an altitude of 1550 meters. From there, instead of continuing along the chairlift Laudemio, we head towards the west, and, beyond the wooden bridge, we enter the dense forest of beech trees along the Lake. Here the climb presents the most challenging, and it sweetens only when, at an altitude of over 1600 meters, is entered in the Plains of the Garden, a narrow corner of Sirino, indisputable beauty and many unknown, consists of a broad plateau at the heart of an amphitheatre very similar to that of nearby Laudemio, where the focus runoffs surface of the North side of Mount Pope. You then have to choose whether to attack from the left side, along the shoulder of, or along the back speculate with it, to the right side. The troops led by Mr. Fabio Limongi opts for the second choice, conditioned the appearance that suggests a less fatigue. But we know that, especially in the mountains, we must be wary of appearances, and the fact risatine Fabio leave us immediately presage a climbing more impervious. The climb that becomes hard and follows a pattern straight, with the point where you scollina is up and that seems not get anything, a burning sun accomplice typical for the most days of spring, make still greater effort, both alleggerirci that we have of our clothes. We are at the vigily's Eve to almost 1800 meters and stendo to believe, and I Tutino us virtually short sleeves! But beauty is coming only now: once over peak, after a short sub-flat opens before us a small ridge as impressive, a sort of wall that brings into play a fair rush of adrenaline. There rid of snowshoes, crampons obligation, and so along the rugged slopes of the obstacle, then there will be a summit. With ability Fabio and Tutino accompanying roped in the two doctors present in. At the summit, Dr Jacob alletta us with a very good brandy valdostana that led to the top with great thrift. From the top there is to be reported especially sfottò telephone calls to the great absent day (it is well known that those who are absent are always wrong, and therefore it is right that sorbiscano these treatments, primarily Henry and Domenico, it just renamed as "a'kids"). The descent was characterized by Fabio from observation that has thrown with its Alpine ski from the summit and that there has delighted some gestures on technical snow that perhaps the snows of Sirino had never seen before (Mister, not montarti But the head!). In this regard, you can watch its video on you tube prestp that will put the network, always with the consent of the person concerned. During the day, we saw the presence of several hiking groups, from neighbouring regions, especially from Puglia, and came right here to perform a wide variety of practical activities in the high mountains. A large turnout in a period of total disruption of lifts, given this to us particularly grateful because makes us aware, however, of potential catchment area not matter that can boast our area, but at the same time leaves us with 'bitter in the mouth for the current stand-by who is living the Sirino that other well deserved fate. There has been talk both dell'ipotetico development of tourism in this area, the picturesque tourist package offer sea and mountain that only it can make, have been made many, many proposals, but to our eyes is a mountain increasingly devoid of services. What can we say, waiting for better times so far, this day represents yet another lost opportunity!