Osvaldo Tovanella Bivouac and Cengia dell'Osvaldo from Podenzoi of Longarone

Premise

This route was travelled on July 27, 2017, and all subsequent observations and considerations fully apply only to that day.

Among the many possible approaches to the Cengia dell'Osvaldo and the subsequent closure of the hike, I followed exactly the advice given in the guide “IL LIBRO DELLE CENGE – 56 horizontal routes in the Dolomites” by Vittorino Mason.

With some observation of the various available maps, it is easy to customize the hike.

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The chosen approach today starts by following the CAI 484 to Casera Busnìch and then Forcella Busnìch.

Then CAI 484 continues traversing down and up to Forcella Sesaròla and more briefly to Forcella Pezzéi (this distinction, however, is uncertain because the double nearby saddle in some maps is indicated with the single toponym Forcella Pezzéi).

Next, there is the descent leading to the meadow area of Bivacco Tovanella.

Given the sun exposure, there are stretches that early in the morning may be slippery due to residual moisture from the night.

The last stretch of approach to the Cengia dell'Osvaldo begins a few dozen meters BEFORE Bivacco Tovanella, following a path a few meters lower in elevation.

Along this path you reach a water collection basin and shortly after the characteristic ledges of the Cengia dell'Osvaldo begin.

A detailed description of the Cengia dell'Osvaldo is not necessary: after seeing the beginning you can do the entire route by sight... without particular surprises.

This does not mean it is monotonous, but once “framed” it is enjoyable if you are used to this type of routes.

Increased attention is only required near a small isolated ash tree which I highlighted in one of the published photos.

The Cengia dell'Osvaldo ends on a meadow slope with a CAI signpost planted in the ground.

From here you climb a stretch on the meadows and return generally back by performing a long diagonal with an upward tendency.

Partly in open field and partly in sparse woodland, you reach the clearing indicated as Lareséi on the maps, from which you descend to the Bivacco Tovanella area.

Here Mason states that you pass by the remains of the Mandra or Teàz de Lareséi: however, I saw two remains of buildings somewhat spaced and I do not know if both fall under this denomination.

Back in the area of Bivacco Tovanella, you need to decide how to close the hike.

As written above, I continued with the “Mason version.”

In practice, I joined CAI 482, which is part of the Alta Via no. 3 up to Costa del Dóu, and then a long and not difficult circular closure back to Podenzoi.

From Costa del Dóu there is a privileged viewpoint for an overall view of the Cengia dell'Osvaldo: see one of the photos I published with superimposed route lines.