Beth Epstein and Kim Gimenez, from Long Beach, CA, came climbing in the Dolomites with Kathy. Although they had their share of cool, cloudy weather, they also enjoyed two flawless sunny days, and no rain until the day they had to part company.

Beth and Kim last climbed with Kathy in New Zealand. Here they all ar in a very different environment, posing on the summit of the Paternkofel, their first climb of the trip, near the Tre Cime de Lavaredo.

The climb involves a popular via ferrata on the approach and descent, featuring WWI-era tunnels and relics. Beth and Kim negotiate a steep section of cables on the way down.

Threatening clouds brought only cool temperatures and dramatic views.

The following day was much sunnier; we spent it climbing on Hexenstein, near the Falzarego Pass west of Cortina. Beth negotiates the steep final pitch.

A clear view in all directions to enjoy on the summit. More WWI relics on this descent as well. From here we moved further west to the village of Canazei.

Another flawless (if breezy and cool) day for our climb of the Delago Kante on Vajolet Tower, a popular classic. Starting from Canazei and taking the bus to the Gardeccia hotel at the road end, we were well behind the parties starting from the hut.

This very steep and exposed ridge climb offers the best attributes of Dolomite climbing: solid, featured rock, dramatic situations, and great views.

Near the top, it was over way too soon.

Steep rappels off the pointy top bring us right back to our packs.

Heading back, we had time to stop at the spectacularly situated Vajolet hut.

This snug and well-appointed hut tempted us to stay longer...

Our last day brought mixed weather once again. We headed up to the nearby Sella Towers, to see if we could beat the rain.

The sun came out for our ascent of the First Sella Tower...

...but then storm clouds and a chill wind came in again quickly.

We tagged the summit and headed back down.

Along our way, a para-glider entertained us with his efforts to find a thermal and stay aloft.

Our route passed just right of the sun-lit portion of the tower.

The weather closed in as we headed back to town; the next day a heavy rainfall bid us good-bye.