Lazarow World-Hike-About

The target, hidden for a few moments. (Good thing because I was able to convince the editor it was much lower than it looked.) Nearly home as we approach Lake Strbske pleso, the surrounding trees gave it a distinctive look. While we come across tough youngsters on the trails in America, Europeans seem to have an ingrained love and desire to be in the mountains and on the trails. No one matches the Germans on an international scale—they are the most prolific hikers and travelers of all. The French are the next big group that one can spot on the mountains of the world. However, regarding the young, and mainly during the school holidays, what we observed in Eastern Europe and particularly Slovakia, was simply amazing. Kids of all ages, ranging from 6 years, some even less, hiking steep and rough trails. We have mentioned from time-to-time how rugged and hardy we thought the people of this region are. We certainly still have that same opinion but even more so. When you se...

Right leg in Andora, left leg in France, head in the clouds on Pic Tristaina above Estany Fourcat (lake). On the border between Spain and France, crossing the Pyrenees, on the way to Gavarnie. Gibraltar, Great Britain, after walking across from Spain. Slovenia, Austria and Italy after a sharp climb from the former. Approaching Switzerland from Chamonix, France. Approaching Italy, a few hundred feet away, from Slovenia. Standing on Koprovsky Peak, Slovakia - Poland down on the other side.

The Liberty Statue or Freedom Statue is a monument on the Gellért Hill. It commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary. Hungary proved to be an interesting country to visit although we were not expecting great hiking venues. Our aim was to pass through from Croatia on our way to Slovakia via Austria, a bit out of the way but for a good reason. We spent a day resting following a tough period of hiking in Croatia, and another two walking the region surrounding Lake Balaton. We then moved off to a fascinating city, Budapest, where we spent a few days exploring the city on foot as well as enduring a tough hike, an hour north of the capital. We suppose one could spend years in the city and still only see a fraction of it. Driving in Budapest is a bit tough as it is busy, has many narrow streets and most of the time does not allow motorists to make left turns across the traffic flow. We see the logic in it but it takes ...

Part-way up a mountain, full beauty all the way. On a mountain slope. Just a regular field or farmland, so typical of the north. The countryside always seem manicured and some of the 'people' are also beautiful. Never under-estimating the harsher side of nature as we climb to the tiny peak. Some of the world's finest African-American waiters can be found at the High Tatras. Funnily enough, this was the only restaurant/dom that did not serve using porcelain and yet, was the most expensive. We first noticed this field from a peak and then sought it when we got back to the car. Probably the most memorable climbing position of the trip, Koprovsky Peak. Illustrating the rugged and challenging mountains alongside pristine landscapes. I should admit there were some nervous moments on the climb. No 'dirty water' excuses for not swimming...I suppose freezing water could be an acceptable one. Although, having a thick sweater like ...