Pale di San Martino Dolomites: Manolo and Narci Simion establish Bebe Forever up Tacca Bianca

During one of the many autumn evenings eating chestnuts and drinking vino novello in Manolo’s 'pikkolo mazo' - as Messner called it - we decided to explore Tacca Bianca, a remote yellowish-white rock face at the foot of one of the numerous pillars that crown Mount Feltraio in Val Canali.

Tacca Bianca was an nigh irresistible attraction for both of us: its isolation, its location clearly visible from the entire Primiero valley and its contrasting light high above the forest all rendered it decidedly fascinating to our eyes.

Manolo's love for unexplored and remote walls, coupled with my very personal motivations, provided the impulse to share yet another adventure with one of my childhood friends. On 20 October 2017 we started upwards, loaded like two donkeys to finally lay our hands on the Tacca Bianca ; we returned on 3 November and once more on 10 November to conclude the first ascent. 3 pitches for a total of about 100 meters, with the top overhanging circa 15 meters compared to the bottom.

We made the first free ascent on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, while a second repeat followed in order to take down the fixed ropes and clean the face on Wednesday, September 26, together with talented photographer and friend Matteo Mocellin.

The route has been called Bebe forever and is dedicated to Bebe (Gabriele), my son, who left us at a mere 24 years of age, one Wednesday in late spring 2014. Life has forced us parents to continue on an arduous and lonesome journey.

This bright spot above Val Canali will bring my son back to me every day, his memory will be as lasting as the mountains and as silent as this solitary and isolated rock face.

Manolo, thanks once again

Narci Simion - Mountain Guide