Reaching 9,006 feet in altitude and climbing 3,300 feet on a rugged trail, mostly rock scrambling in an incredible environment with some of the great views nature has to offer will create a feeling that one has completed the best hiking day or close, of all time. Don't take our word for it, take a trip to Bulgaria...it's worth it.
An intimidating sight...we suppose you had to be there.
After nearly two hours of hiking and climbing, Jen faces a steep climb to the ridge. Me? I turned around, no steep ridge in front of me.
Wow! We were handed a beautiful world, natural rather than developed. Who would have thought that Bulgaria had so much beauty? Of course, closed-minded people would not expect much from countries outside their ambit of periodical thoughts. We too only thought of the country as having been part of the former Soviet Union and its satellite states. In our defence, the one thing we can say is that over the years we have always differentiated between natural and political borders. A further point. Although we love nature, we are not extremists in conservation. The world is for all to use and enjoy and of course, there is an implied understanding of treating it with care and respect.
Without this preamble, it would seem odd that two of our best all times experiences have taken place within six days of each other in the Republic of Bulgaria. Instead, thinking globally, we spent two great days on our planet. Focusing on Bulgaria, we’ve found the trails very rugged, often or mostly, rocky, long, steep, tough and always amongst beautiful scenery with spectacular sights. It’s so difficult to rate hikes, both these were climbs and rock scrambling, but had all the ingredients making for days of awe. Of course, one of the important concepts Jenni and I have come to understand is that when we struggle and sweat, the satisfaction and reward that follows is without equal. Unfortunately, in fact it should read ‘fortunately’, the feeling wears off quickly and has to be replaced with the next challenge and accomplishment. We believe that is one of the great aspects of life—simple but real—nothing worth much comes easily. Perhaps that’s why some say be careful of what you wish for...you may receive it...(Continues at end.) Further insights from the trail, check out (and click) our book: A Life Experience as No Other.
It was worth it (multifold). Jen stands on one of the lesser peaks on the ridge a short distance from Malyovitsa.
Looking down into the cirque.
'I think I'll hang around here and wait for you,' a possible thought.
A sobering moment before we begin a tricky section, honoring those who died getting to/from the peak.
Passing the alpine lakes at 8,100 feet above sea-level.
Relentless climb of 3,300 feet, 'orange backpack' approaching the ridge.
A favorite. As we reach decent height, we take in the sheer vastness of the distant mountain ranges. A tiring Jenni has the head down but the heart is up.
In Bulgaria, especially Pirin, the footing has been tough, rough and sharp. You don't believe us, talk to our feet.
Here she comes...closing in on the ridge.
The famous Rila Monastery, far below.
View of the lakes from 9,006 feet.
No matter what country, it's special to reach, and stand for, the flag.
A big moment for us on the peak, but a 'meaningless speck' in the context of the world.
When we reached the peak of Mount Vihren, our other favorite, besides taking in the amazing sights, we noticed a couple approaching from another direction. Their accents were clearly German for the guy and American, the woman. We entered into discussion with Jan and Emily. The young woman of twenty-four was in perfect athletic shape—superb. (Turns out she is an Iron-woman athlete). She asked where we lived. We answered the same place as you. She replied, "I know." It puzzled us. Why would she make the leap from hearing our South African accents that we lived in the USA? Clearly, her accent led us to believe she was American.
She continued, “Which part of South Africa?” It did not make sense. Here was an American addressing two people who live in the United States but clearly don’t sound American while she speaks with a US accent yet she believes we live in South Africa. Why would she think that? There was a logic issue. It turns out she is a Zimbabwean, studying in Idaho, hence the accent. Our accents revealed South Africa to her and so when we said the same country she made the correct presumption.
When we visited the 7-Rila Lakes district, two young men approached us after we had come down from the high ridge. They had arrived late and asked for advice on what they should do within their limited time available. We had a brief discussion as well as a joke. The following day, we hiked in a region below Musala Peak. As we returned to the trailhead, about thirty minutes away, we engaged in discussion with a local. He wanted to talk and so we halted for a few minutes. This gave two young men who had been following us down an opportunity to reach us. As they passed, I shouted to them, “Hey, you can’t just walk past without greeting us?” Jen looked a bit perturbed at my seemingly rude outburst. After all, it’s not mandatory for anyone to greet us although it’s nice.
I had recognized them from the day before. Two young men, one from Croatia and Serbia, Marko now living near Lugano and commuting to Berlin, the other an Englishman, Alex, working in Berlin were the two fellas we’d met many miles from the current location. We joined together for the next thirty minutes exchanging thoughts and got so carried away that we missed our path. This happens frequently, both coincidences and missing turnoffs. But the chance meetings add to flavor of life.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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