We've observed Snezhanka Tower, perched at the peak, from at least 8 different places, including our apartment and as far away as fifteen miles or so.
Perspective is a wonderful concept. It applies in many different contexts. Today, we gained physical perspective as we hiked to a viewpoint some 1,300 feet above our commencement, from the apartment, to the Three Mountains view. Actually, it really is ranges rather than single mountains. From the viewpoint, we saw the local Rhodopes close to us, relatively speaking, although we were actually on one of the peaks forming part of that range—Snezhanka. The other two ranges in the distance, recently snow-covered, are Rila and Perin. It was a wow. What was particularly special is that we had stood on at least four of the peaks a couple of weeks back and could now gain perspective of how the mountain system fits together. Add in the fact that having climbed 3,300 feet each for Vihren and Kutelo, it made us feel really good to see them again, albeit from a new position.
It's very difficult to explain the feeling that one derives each time we return from a peak. Suffice to say, without applying too much science to the equation, we find, at least until the day following, one feels on a high after most reasonably challenging hikes. It's a satisfying feeling but fortunately dissipates quickly, pushing a person to seek and reach the next peak or challenge to try to maintain the upbeat feeling.
Within the hiking experience, there are a number of spinoffs, a few being: seeing different lands, people, facing the unknown, reaching the trailhead with the many obstacles presented, observing and dealing with the animals and birds, understanding the natural phenomena including the terrain, weather and other risks, sometimes the history of the region and country. Of course, there is the challenge of the hike/climb itself. And most important of all, is testing oneself against the elements; perhaps even greater, the internal test, dealing with the negative part of self.
The Rila Mountains, probably four hours by car, ten minutes by plane. The view is from Snezhanka Peak in the Rhodopes.
One of our favorite places, of anywhere, Pirin Mountains. Notice the 2 similar peaks, Vihren and Kutelo, and saddle, with the ridge to the right of the latter.
A few weeks ago, Jen reached the peak of Vihren (above picture, left peak). Behind her is Kutelo Peak and ridge.
Jen stands on peak of Kutelo. A week after the hike to Vihren, the snow had melted.... 😀. Apparently, in our absence, it has returned.
Jen begins the final climb of Kutelo. Vihren is behind with the saddle between. This last part is about 30-40 minutes.
A last look at the spectacular Kutelo ridge.
At the viewpoint, we look at Vihren and Kutelo and smile. ("Did I mention how much I love those two?")
On the way to Peak Orpheus, above town of Gela, we notice the tower again.
After forty minutes from our apartment and up 2 ski slopes, still a long way to go-3 more ski slopes. We thought we only had to reach the top of this slope. Ha! It's a good lesson in deceptive vision, Gary S.
On our return, through the village ahead and down to the tree-enclosed area on the left.
One more of what we consider a spectacular range, Pirin.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
From our apartment. For the record, we are not living in those trees although one of us has been 'threatened' with it.
Unbeknown to me, Jen decides to hitch through the south-western exit of Bulgaria and slip in(to) Greece. (The sign has to be even older than Jen—it's not metric.)
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