This is the first of two ascents to the peaks of Vihren and Kutelo, completely different paths but for the initial twenty minutes from the trailhead.
Incredibly uplifting sight...not a bad looking mountain either.
Testing walk on a steep face, both up and down, but a highlight.
Imagine coming across a view in which, commencing from the high background, the sky appears balanced on a pinnacle protruding through the clouds. When the clouds dissipate, the pyramid shaped-marble and -karst base displays a smooth and solid surface while one of the adjacent sister mountains, linked at the saddle below, has a small table top, allowing the 'participants' to join together and share a drink when it rains. To the human eye, each of the peaks is shaped uniquely and of course, are at differing altitudes. From the observer's location on the lower surface, however, it's not possible for the layman to determine the various heights of the peaks—we certainly don't have that skill or ability. Invariably, the mountains to the fore, often appear higher. Nevertheless, as a team, they dominate the skyline, beautify it and the surroundings, affect the weather and invariably, challenge man to constant duals.
As one casts the eye lower, one still sees the smooth white rock surface until the tree line appears. With binoculars at the eye, one may catch a glimpse of a chamois or two which tread up and down the mountain walls, embarrassingly easily. Seeing them up close on the mountains is a wonderful opportunity of catching the action. They are both bashful and inquisitive so while they stare hard at an approaching person, they won't let one anywhere close within their ambit. On the mountain to the east of Vihren and Kutelo, man has 'covered Todoro with ski-lifts, at least fourteen. It too is a wonderful sight including a number of huts and ski stations, some lit at night. By the time the eye reaches ground level, an area covered in trees from the slopes until the outskirts of the town of Bansko, concrete structures dominate the view in colors of red and white, predominantly. Many multi-story apartments, hotels, casinos and other residencies fill the landscape. Of course, roads and pathways wind and wend between them, in other parts of the town and to and from the main mountain road. The fascinating aspect of all of this, season dependent (outside summer and winter), is that there are few people about. The town, especially during the week, is deserted. While this detracts from a certain atmosphere that one comes to expect, we nevertheless find it delightful. There is no traffic, human or vehicular, and so a tranquility descends from the mountains that is not hindered or tainted. We are free to deal with both the delights and harsh treatment meted to us by Virhen and pals, mostly alone.
We spent at least 7 hours on the mountain and its surrounds, attained 3,300 feet of elevation gain, endured sore feet and tired muscles and realized the hike, together with the sister climb to Mount Kutelo the week following, and attaining the peak of Maylovitsa in Rila a week before, are the finest trio of mountains experienced in our years.
We came across our first lot of Chamois but the backdrop was a knockout.
Jen returns from a staggering peak, perhaps staggering a little, herself.
A memorable hike, position and experience as we stand upon Vihren Peak. The following week, we went walking along the ridge across the way.
The last forty minutes to go, steep and stony.
No use waiting... let's go.
Following week's peak and ridge, Kutelo. We did not take the visible path to the side but the steeper one to the right.
Some spring in her step.
Lake and mountain view while ascending.
City view on the other side, Bansko.
Relief view at the top.
Smug view, deservedly, at the peak.
A bit of a rocky view.
No less rocky view.
Final view at the peak
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Some perspective:
The three peaks in the far distance shown in the photograph are represented earlier in this blog. We were standing on Mount Vihren, the left most and highest peak. The following week, we stood on the two to the right, Kutelo Peaks. Ten days following, we really stood up high: That peak we called 'Swiss Air' from Zurich.
