36.25 Slovakia: Skalnate Pleso, a quick 3,000 feet 'elevation stroll' :'What is chutzpah?' and A selection of highlights from Eastern/Central Europe (One).
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...