Sighted from Skalnate Lake some 3,000 feet up, sun hits one small section of the fields.
From this side of the fields, we spot the Skalnate station, a hike of 3,000 feet elevation gain. The endpoint sits
at the right-angle of the triangle cut into the mountain. A wonderful outing, with sweet mountain tea, at the top.
On a single span cable, car returning from the highest station in Slovakia. 'One wonders how it finds its way in the clouds.'
We have been asked the meaning of ‘chutzpah’ nearly a million times—maybe only a few hundred or less—not wishing to exaggerate. The trail was quiet but when we were approaching the base of the peak of Turtlehead, Red Rock Canyon, we heard a couple of guys whooping and shouting. Obviously, it’s not good etiquette to be rowdy as well as disturbing to the tranquil atmosphere. Soon thereafter, we reached the peak, took a look about, snapped some pictures and prepared for the editor's usual lovingly prepared cuisine. That's how good she is that one can rate cereal, yoghurt and fruit so highly. It was glorious sitting atop this mountain and gazing for miles at nature’s offerings and man's high structures in the distance.
Once the two fellows arrived, both young, topless and clearly not frequent visitors to the gym, we greeted them and they were in turn friendly. Jenni and I continued to chat. They sat near us although the mountaintop was at least 100 yards long. Fine with us we like to engage in conversation with others although their earlier disturbances caused some doubts in our minds. Soon after the pleasantries, a voice popped up from the edge rather impertinently, “Could you be quiet; I’m trying to meditate.” As blunt as that.
“Pardon me,” I exclaimed, “What did you say?” We turned to see the semi-nude form beckoning the sun, a vortex or some other source with which to purify his soul.
“Keep quiet for the next five minutes while I meditate,” he instructed us. In a movie, it would probably be the time to mention to the editor that the dude on the edge obviously doesn't know I have a black belt...I suppose, a smart brown leather one, too although the buckle is damaged.
We looked at each other and wondered to whom the mountain belonged. Could he not meditate in a number of other spots and should he not have explained his request and asked with a little respect or courtesy? Later he mentioned his very holy…no, we think he is into holistic healing, yoga and something else which we missed…apparently there was a new-age program being run down below between the blackjack tables and slot machines. Anyway, we thought it explained chutzpah quite succinctly.
To rebalance perspectives, on our way down, we met two men ascending. We began chatting and we ended up nearly selling the one fellow the Brooklyn Bridge. He offered 200 dollars but we thought against undertaking the transaction-it seemed too high a price for such a nice fellow.
On the 'soft' trail, it levels off for a few feet before making a sharp right turn upwards.
An overwhelming mountain, Lomnický štít, a little intimidating, as the clouds dissipate. Note the car coming from the left and the station on the peak.
Within seconds, the clouds close in.
Vertical overpowering wall.
Closing the Central/Eastern Europe trip (1) with a few highlights before returning for part 2.
Austria: Barenschutzklamm, Mixnitz.
Croatia: Plitvika Lakes
Slovakia: Ascending Kaprovsky Peak, the final push.
Jenni's tears of fright or…joy. Austria: Barenschutzklamm, Mixnitz
Sedlo Pod Ostrvau, High Tatras on a dull day.
Croatia: Goofing off on a tough peak.
Fooling around in the High Tatras above Green Lake.
Enjoying (loving) an extended childhood in Hungary, north of Budapest.
Croatia: Lake Plitvika.
Sedlo Pod Ostrvau, High Tatras as rain lets up for moments.
Is that peeking or peaking at Crni Vrh, Paklenica, Croatia? A long day.
Hungary: A strenuous hike outside Budapest or 'Where to from here?'
Serenity at Plitvika Lakes, Croatia.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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