37.21 Bulgaria: Viren National Park, Bansko: The classical (superb) ascent of Mount Vihren.
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 t...