Lazarow World-Hike-About: 69.13: Bulgaria: Pamporovo: Orpheus Rocks via Yazovira Dam.

Often we wander about and wonder if what we witness is weal...um...real. While life in general is not without its many challenges, when we are able to reach, as Jen mentioned yesterday, into another dimension, one often does find oneself in a holy space. Should you inquire of the mechanics of achieving some place into the beyond, we are mostly ignorant to advise.

Snezhanka Tower protrudes above the trees. We have spotted the tower from so many vantage points in the region. It is almost a comfort except when attempting to 'climb' it.

We were planning a trip to Pamporovo after departing from Bansko. We had been unable to attain the desired accommodation we sought. It's strange when one thinks that the buildings we have surveilled, at least ours, currently has only one apartment occupied. Guess who? The thing is they are privately owned but often managed professionally. Effectively, by approaching Peter, the owner, as he had let his premises for our period, there was no vacancy for us with upward of eighty open apartments.

I then asked Jen where she would like to stay?

'The Grand Monastery,' she replied.

'Where?' I exclaimed. 'Is that for both of us?' I wondered. Was she sending me a message? Had I lost it? I was losing confidence quickly. Did I ever have it? Perhaps I was not doing enough sit-ups and push-ups.

Actually, the Grand Monastery is an even larger building behind the apartments we occupied two years previously. Within 2 weeks of our intended arrival, I decided to try Peter again as the concept of 'monastery' was a little (lot) beyond my imagination or desirability. We had enjoyed our previous visit immensely two years earlier. At the time, we had even extended for a longer period than our initial booking. Lo and behold, Peter's Place was back on the market and so here we are.

We think this scene of the dam and reflections speaks (reflects) for itself.

We climbed to Orpheus Rock to take in the remarkable and colorful views while enjoying the effort.

It puts one into another sphere...particularly should one slip and end up in the lake. The optimist might add then it becomes refreshing.

A different view from Orpheus Rock.

A more prominent view of Snezhanka Tower. This is quite a landmark of Pamporovo. (We discovered the 'blue stuff' is actually the sky--it's been a while.)

And yet another showing a little of our position with a second lake to the right-rear.

As we climb behind our accommodation, blocked by the Grand Monastery, notice how the Bulgarians are able to get the sun to shine on select spots. Quite remarkable as well as an efficient use of scarce resources in the Rhodope Mountains.