36.14: High Tatras, Slovakia: Koprovsky Stit, magnifique and much more.

Jen begins the 3rd hour on trail as she rises above the lake.




Turning the corner and finding snow as we rise further.




A lake view from the initial peak. The lake was reached after a substantial climb in of itself.




It seems appropriate after completing one of the great hikes of all time that we put together some statistics which don’t mean a whole lot and yet they tell a story. Over the years, the only statistics we’ve cared for are: ‘How long, how high and how much time.’ Other than that, we found more use for our time—sleeping and reading comics. (Our next blog adds a whole lot more.)

On Sunday, we set out for our fifth big hike in the Tatras, one in the Low Tatras and four in the High. Not that the former is so low but it’s a way of distinguishing between the two separate parks that are close to each other. The statistics on this one, Koprovsky Stit (Peak) are: Net elevation gain of 3,600 feet over 13 miles of hiking reaching altitude of 7,800 feet. Time out on the trail, including breakfast taken at 1:30 pm., peak appreciation period and photographs was 9 hours. It was a big day again. We ‘enjoyed’ some snow, always rain but less than the usual amount, and cold although it’s summer. This part of the world is quite incredible with its fascinating mountains, a myriad of alpine lakes, trees and ground cover so thick and green that one wonders if one is viewing a painting. The photographs that follow, in this blog and others, will better illustrate the point than our inadequate words.

We commenced from the carpark at Strbske Mountain Lake, headed for the trailhead, took 75 minutes to reach Popradske Pleso, a lake and chateau, walked for another 2 hours down to cross a river and then sharply up to make up some elevation, a lot actually along the hairpins to Velke Hincova Pleso, a beautiful emerald lake which sits immediately below the peaks, some 1,500 feet or so. From there it was a very steep climb to the saddle followed by another steep climb to what we thought of as the peak. When we reached this initial peak, which had a cross positioned at its highest point, the fog had covered the true peak, so we did not realize we had further to go. When the fog lifted, we climbed up the tricky, and in places, treacherous ice- and snow- covered granite. The views throughout the hike were magnificent and from the peak even better. We were a stone throw away from Poland at that point. Because most of the males we’ve come across in this region look and probably are very tough, we have refrained from throwing any stones in Slovakia or at Poland. Come to think of it, we try follow the dictum applying to people who live in glasshouses and tents. The return included a few inclines but was mainly downhill with most of the underfoot difficult. Big surprise in this part of the world. Concentration is always necessary, especially when the trail is wet and rough. Surprisingly, this difficult hike was relatively busy but it was a Sunday.

With an hour and a bit to go, we stopped in at the Popradske Pleso dom for hot tea and a rest. The beauty of Europe is that it has a mountain culture and so there is always some hut, hotel, chateau or such like in the mountains, frequently visited by many including people of all ages. We take advantage of savoring a hot beverage as we watch the world go by and recover so we don’t need to call for a helicopter to get us back to the car. What a fascinating world we live in—just hope some of our power-hungry fellow inhabitants don’t blow it up.



Magnificent mountains, the High Tatras. Taken at breakfast from the saddle.




Moving down into a valley.




Jenni arrives at the initial peak already over 3,200 feet in elevation gain.




Contemplating the last part of the climb, Koprovsky Stit. Jenni captures the body language so well.



From one peak to another with telephoto. Jen sits while the next gang moves off.




One of the Lazarow's standing on the peak, right side of group of four.




Views from the peak...Jen tucked away on the right.




Our village, Strba, in the distance.




The peak, Koprovsky Stit, sitting alongside it and wondering about a few things, not least, issues of sanity.




On the way down, spot the speck in black and orange with a floppy hat.




A view close to Poland, of the other side of the mountain.




Regular lens of the lower peak and background..




...and then came the snow.




From the top, a magnificent lake with wisps of mist returning.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey