Each pattern of weather brings its own perspective of nature. Jen returning down the second last ski slope having carelessly lost her skis.
'Haunting' in a sense but for us, special on the day.
We feel so fortunate regarding the weather in Eastern Europe over the period of our visit, certainly the latter month. Because we changed our plans by reducing our stay in the southern hemisphere, it meant that most of November, including September and October, would be on this continent. The last fifty days were spent in Bulgaria, a country we only read of very briefly in our youth. In the latter years, because of the vast changes of the ‘nineties’, we took a keener interest although more focused on some of the larger neighboring countries. A funny thing is that a day before departing Poland for Ukraine, we decided to skip over that country knowing full well we’d learn all about it during the ‘impeachment hearings’. Naturally, we forego all hiking activities during the hearings, preferring to absorb the ‘ball-by-ball’ excitement, together with advertisements. (Do they have adverts on the televised broadcasts?). Who would consider trying to reach spectacular peaks when there's more meaningful 'passitivities' to observe? ‘Okay, okay,’ you might retort, ‘you’ve made the point. Move forward.’
The weather, relatively speaking, has been superb. We have had quite a bit of rain during November but that’s to be expected. We had to remain indoors on about 4 occasions but we always tried to plan our hikes based upon forecasts so that by the arrival of rainy days, we would be exhausted. One period, we had 5 tough ones in a row followed by relief rain. It happened often, the exhausting part, and the weather forecasts were mostly accurate. We did get caught in rain a few times but that’s okay, too. It always reminds me of my Dad (I miss him so much; he died nearly thirty years ago). He would say to me on rainy days when I did not venture out.
“Butch,” he would begin, “the rain makes everything beautiful. Perhaps you should spend some time outside.”
It never got stale nor did the rain improve my looks. My father wasn’t a remarkable person by standards of measure that so many people use nowadays as we tend to deify ‘celebrities’, whatever the latter term means.
As I mentioned earlier, ‘I miss you, Dad.” I’d also like to add, “I know you wouldn’t do it unless I asked but Jenni and I would have loved to stand on Vihren Peak with you. In fact, anywhere on the planet would be equally fantastic.”
I understand the sentiment and emotion behind these feelings but as our son Gavin would typically say, “What can you do?”
Part of the Pirin range viewed from our balcony, as mentioned in the text below. Last month, we reached the two high peaks. This month: Looks like we'll observe.
Arguably, an amazing backpack on Kutelo Peak. Providing perspective to above photo.
We've found the forests in Bulgaria to be attractive and airy.
Color our world in hues of beauty. The slopes always seem 'gentle' to the lens of the camera. Obviously, the camera is carried rather than having to make the effort itself.
Tranquil scene with a hint of color hits the right spot.
So we are grateful for the weather being amenable, allowing us to discover and return to some old haunts in Bulgaria, hike frequently as well as explore the Rhodopes in some depth. The land is covered in hidden gems, the history, especially in the south, is mythical although there’s nothing fanciful about the trails. As one fellow at an information booth told us, ‘The trails are hard to find and many are not marked well.' Da! Fortunately, we found most we sought although maybe we’re sorry about that. Not really. Weather is such a vital aspect in what we do. We have a personal wish list: 'Please don’t let it snow while we’re out on the trails; secondly, try not to rain and a third preference, holdoff the heavy winds and gusts.' When we really act spoiled, we always hope there’s someone serving hot beverages on the peaks or close by them. The latter is our least granted request but one can wish, especially in Europe.
On our return to the apartment after the hike, the clouds lifted in places and some of the Pirin Mountains revealed themselves. We understand many will not get excited in seeing mountains. After all the world's covered in them, except for Florida. Anyway, they have a very powerful effect on us. I don't know how to express this feeling and thought without appearing to give the impression of being 'proud or haughty'. But here goes: When we see these amazing peaks (see earlier blog for another view from distance), there is a feeling of accomplishment knowing that we reached and stood at those amazing positions, some seeming impossible to reach. Now I've said it.
In closing, today's hike, took us to Bezbog above Dobrinishte, close to the town of Bansko, before we head to the capital to catch a plane next week. The weather was foggy, clouds were so low that the mountains appeared to have disappeared in our absence (we spent 11 days here during October), visibility poor, trails as usual, deserted, a little rain wet us and the upper path was covered in ice, the dangerous black type, too. The outward journey took us up 2,800 feet over a short distance, making it steep. We walked at times below the stationary ski lift, always appreciating the engineering accomplishments on the ski slopes throughout the world.
And yet, as always, despite the less than ideal weather, each day the world reveals its charm, beauty, mystery and variation to whomever wishes to observe and immerse themselves in such wonders. On our way down, after not seeing much, certainly little in the distance, we found a place to take brunch—the mid-ski lift station. A cat joined us, making a change from the many dogs we've befriended in this country, and ate and watched as the clouds enveloped our world. Yet, as we continued down, we had views that were so superb that on a day our cameras appeared superfluous, one became useful and busy. Each day is unique, each one of them presents both challenges and opportunities. The trick, we think, and which we struggle to accomplish, is not to waste the moments.
A scene in Bansko, facing part of the Pirin range. Fortunate to have sunshine, even for a short while.
The reverse scene (at the top) in great weather.
Absorbing the surroundings.
Always fascinated by Bezbog hut...on a day when the weather was good.
Day 4: A breakthrough: Visibility: A corner of the Pirin range, a (great) favorite climb and position.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
'Remind me why (WE) love this mountain so much?'
To view the strange and funny sights at the top: That's why. (Kutelo, 2018.)
1 comment:
Always amazed at your love of the mountains and your achievements. You 2 are an inspiration for living and wanting to do more. Love Jo
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