Hiking Lake Barcis

I had a day off work. Well, really, I was post-call and wasn't scheduled to be on back-up. I kept hearing about this nearby man made lake that had beautiful views and that you could walk around. So, after a brief morning nap, I headed out around noon and arrived at Lake Barcis around 1 PM. It's easy to get to from Aviano ... just head through town on the AP highway and make a right on Mountain Highway. The drive was beautiful through countryside and small villages. The mountains stayed on my left. My first view was stunning, but too quick for photos since I don't take pictures while driving. There was a long tunnel and as soon as I emerged, on my right was a beautiful green finger of reservoir. If I could have slammed on my breaks and turned around for pictures, I would have. But, I kept going.

It is early enough in the season that parking was free. How do I know? When I arrived at Barcis, I pulled into the parking area on the left and the meter for tickets was taped closed. It's usually I think about a Euro per hour. There was no one else in the parking lot.

View from the parking lot

I had to decide ... right? or left? around the lake. I chose right since it was more paved and there was a map. I loaded up my water and snacks into my Orange Mud VP2 and headed out. My plan was just a 3.4 mile loop around the lake. Supposedly, to the right of the map is a tunnel you can go through, but it was closed and I didn't even see it, so I can't guarantee it's there.

I was stopped almost immediately by the stunning views across the lake. How many times can I stop and take pictures of the same thing? Apparently, a lot.It seems every time I turned a corner or just took 2 steps the view changed slightly and was so beautiful that I couldn't stop with the pictures. I could see the road up to the left, but I felt completely alone and peaceful in nature. There were picnic benches and tables and small docks where I could easily see people coming out for picnics on weekends, or even after work.

 Eventually the path turned right and was on the road and crossed the lake.

Just past a small cluster of buildings with a restaurant on the left I saw steps leading up the hill. Well, I can't just ignore steps going into the woods, can I?

So, I didn't. I had no idea where I was going, but I looked at the time and made a decision. I would follow the trail for an hour and then turn around and come back. The path was actually well-marked as it winded it's way up. There were markings on trees also so I knew this was a "real" path to follow.

Eventually, I came upon a sign and found I was walking a path called Sentiero del Dint. Cool. There were way points with look-outs along the way. The first, Belvedere 1 was a challenge for me. The platform was plexiglass and extended out over the edge. I admit, I have a bit of a fear of heights. Not terrible, but a little. I found it difficult to step out onto the glass where I couldn't see ground below me.

The view over the lake was worth it.

I think I need to get a lanyard for my phone. For some reason, I'm always afraid to hold the camera over high edges for fear I will drop it. I never have dropped it, so I don't know why I have this concern.  Back to the trail and I kept going up.

The map showed the path going up and then down and then up and up and up some more. I knew I wouldn't make it to the summit. I started too late in the day, but maybe I could get to Belvedere 2 or 3 before the trail went dipped. There were patches of snow still on the ground in places and the trail was rather curvy. I was glad I was wearing my INKnBURN pullover. Was just the right level of warmth without being hot.

The scenery changed often. I had a few deep thoughts while on the trail and in my own head. So, get ready ...

1. Life is not a straight path. If you try to go straight, you may miss your way and get lost along the way.
2. If you only look ahead, sometimes you miss the beauty around you or the beauty that is behind you.
3. Always take the mystery steps on the side of the road.
4. If you are willing to change your plans, you may find an unexpected adventure.

OK, eventually, I made it to Belvedere 3 and climbed up a little tower for a spectacular view. I heard a few people and a dog, but never really saw them. I think there are not a lot of people out here these days and I don't know which direction they were heading. Maybe they were ahead of me and following the full distance to the summit.

I turned around and headed back down. I love hiking and seeing all that is around me. I have many friends who are trail runners and it can be quite technical. My running has completely ceased lately without any motivation. But, I thought, maybe I will do a little trail running downhill. Besides, I wanted to see how the VP2 with bottles on my shoulders would feel. I hate the bounce of bottles on a hip pack, but wasn't sure how I would feel about them on my back. They didn't move, which was pretty cool. The sloshing sound wasn't intolerable. I didn't run far, though. Too much to see and I didn't want to keep looking at the ground to make sure I didn't trip and fall over a rock or a branch. I think I'm a hiker more than a trail runner. I like to look around and listen to leaves in the wind and birds chirping and little critters rummaging in the brush.

I made it back to the road and continued following it around. I was probably less than half-way around the lake at this point. I passed through a tunnel near a water based power production plant. It was kinda dark, but no cars were coming.

Eventually, the trail picked up again and went off the road into packed dirt closer to the lake. More technical than the road, but much prettier in my opinion. The path came up to the road and back down a few times. I knew I wasn't lost as I just kept the lake on my right at this point. The path was easy to follow.

 Not my beer. Signs of civilization and obvious signs of campsites.

Eventually, on the road, I crossed a wooden bridge toward the town of Barcis. A wheeled cart eventually passed me and a motorbike also. I would not think this is a bridge for automobiles, though.

In town, I just kept the water to my right and picked up boardwalks that passed playgrounds and picnic areas.

I admired the swans and geese.

And just like that, I was back on the other side of the parking lot from where I started.

It was a beautiful hike. One day maybe, if I leave early enough and have all day, I could do the hike to the summit.

Trusty Garmin says only an hour of moving time, but I was out there for about 3 1/2 hours. And, since the loop itself is 3.4 miles, I think it wasn't tracking all the time. Still, this is a nice general idea of where I was. It's beautiful.