Monte Dauda (1765m) is a magnificent viewpoint in the Carnic foothills. The starting point for the hike is the village Fielis, on the square next to the monument to the fallen there is a large free parking lot. We get here if on the road connecting Tolmezzo and Arta Terme, shortly after Cedarchis we turn left over the bridge across the But river and immediately after it right towards Fielis, to which we have another good four kilometers of locally steeper and narrower road. I always start the hike (this time for the third time) at the fountain next to the monument, along a narrow and steep road that brings me to the Dauda pasture. Asphalt, concrete, gravel, locally quite steep, but doable. If going further along the road we arrived on past the playground and inn, you reach another parking lot, there to the left is the start of the marked path CAI 157, I haven't gone on it yet. On the pasture first views, there I stepped on snow which I had quite some all the way to the top. I continued on the forest road to the right and after some time reached the saddle Forcella Meleit, where the signpost directed left to the footpath. A comfortable track allowed enjoyable walking, crampons and gaiters stayed in the backpack, the weather was also great, some wispy clouds gave a mystical touch to the wonderful mountain and valley scenery. A short way to the right to the ridge or crest, there sharply left, just a bit more and I was at the top. There a huge cairn, cross a bit lower. Views to lick one's fingers, eyes mist up seeing these beauties, then some griffons glide in and it seems you're dreaming the sweetest dreams. Divine. I did the descent on another path because it was snow-free. In snow I wouldn't tackle it, up there are very steep grassy slopes, avalanche-prone and dangerous for slipping. Second time I took it, so I knew where on the crest to turn left, path less visible, junction not marked. Then a steep descent like the inrun of a ski jump, there on dry grass and muddy path slid like a hundred devils, literally minced downhill very carefully. End of the steep section another less visible turnoff where the path goes into the forest, then pure joy to the pasture, beautiful beech forest where we could easily film Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel or similar. On the pasture a short break, then down the same path or road as the ascent to the village. Great trip, in winter perfect for snowshoeing, in the direction of ascent of course. Mandi
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