Jen has not been well over the past couple of days following periods of ‘singing or hiking' in the rain. I left this morning for a trail on my own on a day where the forecast announced heavy rains and thunder—I presume the lightning was implied. Fortunately, there was no rain but for the usual clouds and in fact, the sun revealed itself in the late afternoon. Thus far, ‘reveal’ is not an exaggeration in the Tatras.
Everything is so lush and green, it's an environment that's unaware of global warming. I'm surprised the rocks are not green themselves and disappointed they're not much 'softer'. As I write this, we are in day two of almost continuous rain. Nevertheless, we are privileged to experience such wonders as we head into the green- and mist- covered mountains.
Not surprisingly, there is much water flow down the mountains.
The first rest period yonder. Some may say 'Over the hill'.
On facing an earlier part of the trail, the path cut into the mountain can be seen clearly.
For perspective, the trail shown above viewed from the endpoint of another hike.
Not surprisingly, there is much water flow down the mountains.
The first rest period yonder. Some may say 'Over the hill'.
On facing an earlier part of the trail, the path cut into the mountain can be seen clearly.
For perspective, the trail shown above viewed from the endpoint of another hike.
While walking up another steep set of mountains and on rocky surfaces, now with scattered puddles, over a 5-hour period, I thought of a concept that often enters my mind. It deals with rationalization which is a nicer way of expressing ‘kidding ourselves’. We humans do many dumb things but when it comes to rationalization or making excuses for our behavior, we can be at times, quite brilliant. What do I mean by this? Today, was another opportunity to test myself which happens frequently. Without Jen, I did not have someone with which to maintain a pace or alternatively, to lead by setting a pace. Therefore, pace, distance and climbing challenges would be determined by myself. Of course, there are others on the trail which gives one opportunity to try to overtake or with which to maintain a pace. This is where rationalization enters the equation.
‘Heck, they are much younger, fitter than me so I shouldn’t expect to keep their pace. It’s okay. These guys and gals are on my back—I should let them pass because after all, I’ve had a tough week. Had this been the beginning of the week, I would be far ahead’. (By the way, it’s not about competing with others but rather, competing with oneself.)
As mentioned earlier, without an objective challenge, one can find any excuse to rationalize why it’s okay to walk at a much slower pace and perhaps, shorten the distance. Therefore, unless there’s an objective standard to meet such as time and distance, we are able to set the standard wherever we wish. Some people try harder when spectators are present, others require a push or shove, while many are motivated by not letting the team down or not being embarrassed by failure in the public domain.
‘I’m never going to see those fellow hikers again, so I don’t need to concern myself for quitting early, walking slowly or just being lazy. I’ll tell Jen I did well especially as this was the fifth hike in 6 days although one was a town walk. I’m much older than I was and therefore, I should cut myself some slack. I owe it to myself. Anyway, who is watching, who cares a damn? I’m out here, aren’t I?’
"Who is watching?"
We tend to look around to see who is watching especially when one wishes to relieve oneself. Sorry, off point. It happened one day in Hawaii when we sat on a hill and a woman arrived next to a bush below us. She looked around, covering all sides and angles. Unfortunately, she did not look up. (By the way, we looked the other way).
Back to the issue. The most important person is always watching. Not acknowledging it amounts to kidding oneself or to express it properly, we lie to ourselves when we don’t acknowledge the truth. I think the gentle expression is rationalization or making excuses. The harsh reality is that we deceive ourselves. I think that’s sinful, a personal tragedy, a major error, the path (trail) to a slippery slope which becomes more difficult from which to recover. A God-fearing person might add another Observer.
How does this apply to me? Wrong question. I could not possibly offer an answer because it’s subjective. In addition, to provide a positive response would smack of conceit and arrogance and probably be inaccurate. I think only a fool would attempt to convince others of his/her attitude. Far better to convince oneself by actions. This leads me to a conclusion that I believe is a worthy attitude to take in life.
The person who crosses the finishing line first is the winner. A person that crosses a predetermined finishing line is a winner, too, no matter how many others crossed before him/her. Winners cross that line; losers cross the variable line they draw for themselves. Nevertheless, the ultimate winner is the person who pushes the finish line a little further out on each occasion and/or reduces the time required, even by small increments. This is a person who realizes her potential—the ultimate test, the real winner.
Brunch taken with a view into the valley.
A colorful view of part of the trail.
Unforgiving, unsympathetic and challenging mountains, are the High Tatras.
A colorful view of part of the trail.
Unforgiving, unsympathetic and challenging mountains, are the High Tatras.
And now, an introduction to Strba: A walk on the wild side...as bad weather encourages us to remain close to home.
We include a few pictures which cover three walks in different parts of the outskirts and within the village.
A view of a section of the village, Strba including farmlands.
Irresistible on a trail close by.
We circled away from the village and ate brunch overlooking it from the farmland.
We're a little slow in the brain department. We have mentioned how hard on the feet the trails are. It was only after a few days we realized we were hiking on quiet roads rather than trails. Now we've got that nailed down.
It is our third visit to the High Tatras of Slovakia, the earlier in 2018 and 2019. It seems we never learn. During the previous trip, we spent time both in this country and Poland, neighbors which share parts of the High Tatras. We stayed in different locations each time when in Slovakia except for our times in Strba.
Irresistible on a trail close by.
We circled away from the village and ate brunch overlooking it from the farmland.
We're a little slow in the brain department. We have mentioned how hard on the feet the trails are. It was only after a few days we realized we were hiking on quiet roads rather than trails. Now we've got that nailed down.
It is our third visit to the High Tatras of Slovakia, the earlier in 2018 and 2019. It seems we never learn. During the previous trip, we spent time both in this country and Poland, neighbors which share parts of the High Tatras. We stayed in different locations each time when in Slovakia except for our times in Strba.
At the accommodation in the village, we have enjoyed a tranquility that one usually dreams of but hardly experiences. There is little noise, little traffic, views of mountains, fields and housing, the latter in a myriad of colors. In our opinion, when one talks of living in one's castle of peace, this place epitomizes it. Unfortunately, culture and language separate us from the people more than we have experienced in most places.
It's both a dormitory and retirement village, maybe a small town, that's surrounded by a large farming community. The only overt disadvantage we have experienced is the spread of manure in the fields. It might be difficult to get used to the odor unless the winds reverse. We can deal with it though—we're not that fussy.
The landlord and family live on the property, too. They are very nice to us, but the language barrier detracts from any relationship. On the bright side, they have a son, Michel of 27 years old, who is a delight (and speaks some English). I am so taken in with this young man that I will miss him much when we depart. Unfortunately, life's cruel side has given him a disability which he handles with aplomb, certainly in public. Just writing this brings tears to my eyes. This young man uplifts my soul and helps teach me to deal with my inadequacies.
Brunch on the farm.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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