69.17 Bulgaria, Smolyan/Pamporovo: Hopping amongst 5 high-points seeking incredible sights, including a little via ferrata in the mix. Phew!

We'd experienced some bland scenery in Bulgaria during previous autumn periods. After venting to someone in the higher echelons, power not height, we think we have been rewarded. This photograph was taken on a cliff which provided both an exhilerating and superb view.
We find it fascinating how the trees and other plants take turns in changing their colors each season. It looks like these 'guys' have selected a predominantly green coloring for autumn. Nice but a little too conservative. (Apologies offered...couldn't resist...see text.)
The previous week we were at lake level where we viewed the surface of reflections and flora plus our current position above.
A view from last week's position at lake level of where we stood a little below the peak today.
A different lake appears when one casts the eyes in different directions...we'll grab them all.
The sun catches the perfect spot as we moved to a different small peak on the western side.
An exciting time and place where we find ourselves tested by the via ferrata. I experienced a short but satisfying climb up the cliff wall. (See below for explanation.)
This is a picture from two years previously as it is not appropriate for 'selfies' (hate the word). Most unfortunately and sadly, Jen is suffering from an injury and is resting these last few days. I take short hikes to get out of the apartment to give her peace. Bless you, Girl! See end. Hence, no photograph of verification of today's climb.
With such warnings, no wonder we see so few visitors in Bulgaria. Seriously, upon reading the warning one becomes (I do) awfully humble. That's even before seeing the obstacle. I'm reminded of a quote from Winston Churchill when someone mentioned in a complimentary manner that a colleague was a most humble man. His retort: 'That's because he has an awful lot to be humble about'. I get it. I miss him.

A view from another peak in the vicinity. The outskirts of Smolyan in the distance stretching to the far left.
The flora is wildly beautiful. One feels one's in a different space, even a changed world. The feeling occurs frequently within the forests.
Yet from another peak.
We think this view is a knockout...an opinion only.
Another view of this very attractive suburban lake and its autumn surround.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Jen makes a most welcome appearance...hence, the beautiful coloring surrounding us...well, nice sentiment.

The Hidden Price of Ridding the Reds.

"I have to write to him," I mentioned to Jen. "I doubt whether I'll be able to secure an appointment at this late stage though." 

  "You can be sure of that," Jen answered, "Sometimes I don't know who you think you are. There's no way this idea of yours' is going anywhere." 

  "You're probably correct but haven't I got to at least give it a 'full go'? After all, I feel so strongly about it. Not to follow through would say something of my convictions, or perhaps more accurately, lack of them." 

  "So let me see if I have this right. You are extremely impressed with the forests, flora and mountains of Bulgaria or more accurately, those few parts you have hiked. However, nothing is perfect. You find the color of the country an amazing array of all types, classifications, a multi-culture of sorts. Spectacular. But you do have one complaint. Am I correct thus far?" 

  "Yep! Okay, follow through!" 

  "There is a distinct lack of Reds throughout the land. Of course, you know that a new ruling class took over the running of the country after 1989. You were a bystander to that revolution. We agree we are both anti-communism, quite fiercely at that. Therefore, we are to an extent, with the change of political system rather than government, both most comfortable in principle. Now you want to follow through by seeking an appointment with a Cabinet Minister. As I understand it, you believe the attack on the Reds, almost an eradication of them, has proved detrimental to the environment, the land and the country as a whole." 

  "You're a good listener, my love. You have a fine grasp of my thinking. I would add further: I intend to take a very bold approach, even a very aggressive one. I wish to floor him and let him find out what it's like to have to pick oneself off the ground. I have attached a note which I know you will hate. Nevertheless, I am emboldened to follow a tough strategy. After all, he's rather smug and often refers to his office as the Department of Seasons. Funny fellow! Here goes: 

  "To the Dear Honorable Minister of the Environment,   

  I am unaccustomed to applying this form of address to politicians. The reason being that to use the term 'honorable' in conjunction with a politician is most distasteful, demeaning and insulting to any person of decency. However, I am prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt as you have yet to prove you fit the role of a politician, Mr. Autumn-and-Fall. Having paved the way to opening this conversation, dare I say, relationship, I have set out below the basis of my issue." 

  Jen interrupted, "You're not serious!" 

  "No, I'm not, but at least I know you're awake." 

  "This is like torture, but do continue," she acceded. If I let him finish it will be over quicker, she figured.  

"My wife and I have traveled extensively to Bulgaria, well, relatively speaking for foreign visitors, and are most impressed with the country. However, in our experience, we notice there are very few Reds. Whoever I have mentioned this concept to over the years, has seemed to laugh off my concern. People speak of history, the passing of time, progress, a burying of the tragedies and the opportunity to move forward. Sometimes, I think people seem too narrow in their approaches, too little in depth analysis, if you will. I am far more in favor of an open attitude, a better mixing, more variety, an international flavor. Yet, this attractive, in fact, I believe very attractive approach, would go a far way to restore much that has been lost since the 'revolution'.  

  "I understand you are a man for all seasons and realize you might not be able to find time to allow me to address my concerns in person. That is a possibility that I would find difficult to accept. Nevertheless, I also realize I have little option so as a standby, I thought I would forward to you a set of illustrative booklets containing a little text but mainly photographs that help to make my points. 

  "I do believe, as mentioned initially, the younger generations don't have a grasp of the issue. I glean this from the rather flippant attitude displayed as well I've 'red' of it extensively. Nevertheless, I continue to make the case for and about the Reds. Let's reincorporate them back onto the land, the environment, society, into the country. It will return Bulgaria to its prime position as a model of beauty, openness, taste and success. It will prove that although the experiment or change in the early '90's proved to be a major undertaking, it could have been more successful with the correct treatment of the Reds. Surely, this is not the thinking of a person seeking confrontation, personal advancement or revolution? 

  "I urge you, as the Minister with a very powerful, although specialized portfolio, to please open the land once again to the Reds. We've been without them for far too long. Enclosed are a mere couple of photographs displaying the impact of the Reds. Thank you!"

 Look, Jen! There you are amongst the Reds...even in the mist (outside Salt Lake City).   

"See those deep reds. There are very few remaining in Bulgaria. While we love the yellows, beiges, various shades of orange, mustard and peach, even the greens, where have all the flowers gone? That is, the Reds. They make a major difference. We miss them." 

 To which Jenni replied, "Don't you think that the real issue is the idea of you having mis-communicated to people that you are agitating about a lack of brilliant autumn colors in red, while they believed you're a nut-job talking of communists? May I add that while many people are fixated on sugar and chemicals, you seem to be deep into colors, one in particular it seems. When will you ever grow up!"