37.28 Serbia: Rtanj vrh Siljak, a special occasion. 37.29 Serbia: Sokobanja, an explosion of color in the mountains and at the Fortress.
It was an exciting climax to an incredible period in Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia, this, the last hike taking place in Serbia. It does not often work out that one (or in our case, two) end up with the last hike maintaining a standard that was superior. We had identified the hike prior to arriving in Serbia. On a Monday morning, we drove on a quiet road to a small village and fortunately, found the trail-beginning on our second attempt. Once again, we spent our day alone in a beautiful region surrounded by trees coated in many autumn colors, prior to breaking the tree line and continuing the ascent up a second and third mountain and through the clouds. At the peak, a destroyed church dating to 1932 lies in ruin. Nevertheless, we were most pleased and relieved to arrive at the pinnacle, even before the 'padre'. The hike was fairly long, we forget the distance, but well over 2,000 feet in ascent on an eerie-like day, especially at higher altitude. Farewell, to Eastern Europ...
