36.15 High Tatras, Slovakia: Chata Pri Zelenom plese (Chateau/Green Lake) via Veľká Svišťovka pass.
As we crest the mountain and head down into the valley, another amazing European sight confronts and confounds us. Through the gorge, Jenni shows her mettle. On the way down, it was a lot tougher. Perhaps by this time we'd had sufficient practice. The couple behind us, the only ones on the trail back to our commencement, made us smile, particular the woman. Understandably, she was nervous. (The assisting chains had been removed. See picture below.) On one occasion, I recommended she take it slowly to which she reacted by making the 'sign of the cross' on her chest. We saw her do it a number of times. There's probably much praying taking place in this 'religious' section of the tough hike. It reminded us of a saying of Hillel, the sage, which we've modified, with respect. When he was asked whether he would teach someone the Torah (Hebrew Bible) while standing on one foot, we might answer this way, in these circumstances: "All you need is a good-grip...