Newly graduated doctor shelters in cave during Dolomites trek

Newly graduated doctor Hólmgeir Gauti Agnarsson and his father took shelter in a cave during a week-long trek through Italy’s Dolomite mountains, mbl.is reported.

Hólmgeir, who enjoys outdoor activities, fishing and hiking, said he had been eager for adventure after spending his final year of medical studies preparing for his final exams. Before beginning his candidate year, he decided to travel to the mountains with his father.

The pair joined a trip organised by the travel company Slóðir, which is owned and operated by mountaineer Leifur Örn Svavarsson. The group spent more than a week hiking between well-equipped mountain huts through one of the most scenic parts of the Dolomites.

“It was fantastic to have Leif as a guide. He knew so much, and you always felt safe. Everyone was happy and the group was great,” Hólmgeir said.

The route passed beneath the three rock towers of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the north wall of Chima Grande, described as one of the six largest north walls in the Alps. The group also crossed a mountain ridge and travelled through forested valleys.

One day, with help from Italian mountain guides, the hikers took a via ferrata climbing route on Mount Paterno. They were given helmets and lights because the route passed through man-made tunnels before reaching the climbing section.

The weather was generally good, with occasional light rain, until the final full hiking day. Torrential rain, strong winds, hail, thunder and lightning struck, and fog covered the mountain.

“None of us had ever experienced anything like it. We sought shelter in a cave because water was cascading down the hiking trails. I was soaked through immediately,” Hólmgeir said.

The group covered 20 kilometres and climbed 1,400 metres that day. Although the conditions were frightening, Hólmgeir said it became his favourite day of the trip. He and his father, both keen amateur photographers, took many pictures during the adventure.

Hólmgeir said he would recommend the trip to most people, provided they were properly prepared. He described the natural scenery as extraordinary and said the journey was among the three best trips he had taken.

His father had previously travelled with Leif to Everest Base Camp. Hólmgeir himself had completed a trip to Mont Blanc in June before joining the Dolomites expedition in August.