60.05/06: Slovakia: Multi-trails from Strbske: "Who is Watching?" (including a brief introduction to Strba, our village.)

Passing Solisko Peak (previous blog) as headed in a different direction. The cross on the peak may be seen by the discerning eye or imaginative person.
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.

  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.

  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. 

  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, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

31.07 Slovenia: Mala Mosjstrovak, a tough climb on much scree. (Part 1)

The waters of Slovenia.




Oh Dear! We have to go back the way we came.





Looks like snow only it's a bit harder and unforgiving...not Jenni.




Showing off how easy it is to get up and down.




It took, and still takes, our breath away.




Editor strolls down on one of the more gentle paths.




Not a happy boy especially considering the return journey down the gulley.




Looking down towards the huts at the Vrsic Pass.




One of the lesser peaks.




The not-so-lesser peak.




Taking in a lesser view.




Time to return and face the sloping scree...something to look forward to.




A look up and through the gulley, a time to ponder.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

31.05 Slovenia: A 'vertical' climb to Black Lake in the Julian Alps: 31.06 Reaching a high on Mount Vogel. A tribute to some special readers. Hike-about continues while the blog takes a rest.

This is the last blog to be posted for a while. After the first three pictures, we share some feelings about various people who have traveled with us vicariously, followed by some pictures of two very steep climbs in the amazing Julian Alps of Slovenia. Prior to this posting are 4 others displaying Slovenian scenes (scroll down for these.)



The only reason we are not moving steeply upwards is because we diverted to catch a glimpse of the 'slap' (waterfall). The climb to Black Lake looks vertical and from ground level appears impossible.




As in many countries, there are often cables/ropes where you don't need them and none when they are necessary.
Perhaps, it's us.




Lake Bohinj from height. Now you're talking...




While we would have wished to include in our book, ("A Life Experience..."), the names of people who read our blog and make interesting, fascinating and perceptive comments, instead we have settled for this narrative which is inadequate but sort of has our hearts in the right place, if we may be so bold and also be permitted, to express such sentiment.

The first section deals with people mentioned by name in the book.

Mom features briefly, so do our three children, Gavin, Natalie and Robert plus our two grandchildren, Ellie and Benny. Thereafter, Gary Lewis asks a perceptive question; Derek Lichter provides an interesting comment; Barry Jahn, someone we met on a trail in Oregon in 2013 had us laughing hysterically at my expense (what a pleasure) for which we still smile if not laugh; Bill Arras, also from Oregon whom we met on ‘Charity’ Mountain, when not in hot air balloons, is well grounded in affairs of the world; Ben Brooks, an influential school master from the sixties; Dr. Norman Kane fixed me ‘good and proper’ and more importantly, canceled his subscription to National Geographic in favor of ours, so he charms us.

The next section incorporates a list of readers who have contributed in their own way. We could not include everyone, as much as we wished to, and know we will omit people who should have been on the list. Nevertheless, being on the mountains is a dangerous pastime but not as dangerous as the consequences of leaving out deserving individuals.

Here goes:

Maude Alge provides consistent encouragement as well as a view from the clouds;

Ron Allegretto is over generous, both in compliments and emails. Since meeting him and Joanne in Palm Desert one winter, we can’t help having a stronger feeling for Canadians (Vancouver) because of them…eh! What a special man!

Brian Murray, the musician supreme, encourages us steadily, complemented by Johan Meiring, two fellows from the Barclays days, back in South Africa;

Hil Saks, Jenni’s sister, who should have written the book;

Nora Laiken who encouraged us strongly in the early days;

Jonna, who we met with husband Tim, in Sedona years ago. She provides a wonderful perspective as well as perception of what she sees in the pictures and gleans from the text;

Norman Smith writes so beautifully that we stop to consider his words carefully;

Colyn Levin is a great friend and mean golfer. Had to think for a moment not to mix the order of the two adjectives;

Errol Grolman can write in five words what takes us a whole paragraph to explain. He neither wastes nor minces words so when he says something nice, the soul is touched.

Paul and Debbie Shtein are terrific. Paul is an inspiration and Debbie makes us feel incredible when she puts pen to paper. Their brother-in-law, Hugo, captures the nub of things and sister-in-law Stephanie is a treat;

Lionel Greenberg, a man with a courageous and generous heart is a good friend to us;

Doug Morton of Pietermaritzburg is a superb writer and photographer with an understated sense of humor and a ‘pile’ of wisdom;

Linda Bernstein writes beautifully, succinctly and with understanding;

Robyn Lichter sends ‘pick-us–up’ words of praise at the right time;

Bessie Wainstein does the same thing;

Barbara Frank knows how to tie one of our anecdotes into an amusing incident of her and Gary’s life;

Dani Marcus encouraged us to get into print, thank you;

Adrienne Bernstein in Israel and Reina Kraft from Houston, both cousins of Jenni and each other, write the sweetest words;

Jackie and David Diamond are wonderful supporters;

Ana Olivensky has her own style of expression that reaches deep inside us;

Chaya, we miss you and your perception; where are you?

Nina Varkel, we enjoy your comments;

The Zimbabwe ‘girls’, Gill Midgen and Josette Bernstein now of Seattle have been inspirational supporters from the early days;

The Peipers from Dallas blow wonderful tunes to us;

Betty Hoffman, always a source of inspiration: older, wiser and even stronger;

Mark Michealow, someone Jeffrey met recently, actually 55 years ago. We have a long-standing ‘serious joke’ between ourselves, at my expense;

Howard Greek always provides his ‘continental’ slant on things;

Barry Kassar for his insights, and prodding when necessary.

And a special expression of appreciation to Stan Smookler who runs articles/links of Hike-about in his world renowned publication.

Thank you one and all as well as those not mentioned. Each has contributed in some way to enriching our lives. For that, we are most grateful.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Further book information, "A Life Experience..."


Truth be told, after writing the above note it did not seem or feel appropriate to write text for a blog (I felt quite flat). So pictures follow of the two high elevation gain hikes.


On Vogel track, mostly a loop, Jenni comes out the glacial valley on the left while the return trail snakes to the right.




After a few hundred feet, we diverted from the trail to find a 'slap', a waterfall (Savica). I think
that's the only word in the language we have perfected thus far.




Meantime, we struggle against the elements, toward Mount Vogel. Jenni is next to snow pack below.




The editor plays coy about going into a dark cave with her trustworthy boy.




Down the cliff but this time with support of cables.




Back to Vogel and we continue to be amazed at the awesome Julian Alps and the difficult challenges they provide.




We faced a dilemma. The snow was too dangerous to cross as it covered the path at an acute angle.
We went behind it amongst the rocks to continue.




The last bit was rather easy after a tough ascent to that point.




Lake Bohinj, far more impressive from height.




Some highs on another tough day, below Vogel, and before brunch.




A big 'Cheers',

Jenni and Jeffrey