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Some years ago I was walking alone along the Alta Via 1 in the italian dolomites and pitched my little tent for the night, although I wasn't supposed to because it was a national park.  I pitched the tent late to avoid park wardens and on the spot fine.  It was a lovely pasture at around 7,000 feet and all the pegs went into the ground lovely.

I was just about to drop off when I heard this sound in the distance.  It was definitely getting closer and I soon found out the cause - a herd of alpine cattle with bells around their necks.  They weren't unfreindly.  They were a little smaller than our cattle but if one had tripped over a guy rope it would have crushed me.  I tried lighting matches and trying to scare them away, but their curiosity kept them there.

I hardly slept all night  and the next morning as I made some porridge they were sniffing me and trying to lick me.  As I packed the tent away they were sniffing around the flat boulder where  I had had my breakfast.

They were really quite sweet, but it they scared me in the night having them around, especially when at times when I could hear them frollicking around.  The next couple of nights were spent at a campsite at the head of the valley near Passo Falzarego.

Brian

Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 05/9/2009

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I can't remember being scared as such. Borda the dog gets startled by noises like people/animal walking past etc.., and he would woofed a bit before settling down again. That bothers me more than strange noises!

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My dogs have often put the wind up me by giving a low growl and staring at the door as though something's out there. I think they do it for a laugh.

Hi Sarah,

Where you camped sounds like my perfect heaven, no noise apart from the trees and the wildlife ....  Can you please let me know which site it was please.... I will have to visit sometime.

Many thanks

Ian

Hello Ian, the site is called 'Field Barn' near Bourton on the Water. It is a lovely site, and although I managed to scare myself silly,it was the peace and quiet, the beautiful countryside, the fantastic facilities which made this site so perfect. I would go back without a moments hesitation.

Sarah

Hi again Sarah,

Thanks for the link, I don't know the site, but I certainly know the area...

I grew up up around that area, Bouton on the water, Burford, Minster lovell, Witney, The Barringtons, Ascott & Shipton under wychwood... definitely a beautiful part of the world, I will have to go to that campsite.

Many thanks

Ian