Jenni approaches the ridge after a very steep ascent. Polish trails, thus far, are not for strollers. Another 3,300 feet ascent.
Being deep within the lush countryside is invigorating; the action over the mountains is powerful.
The distinctive Giewont as viewed from much lower down on the trail. It can be seen from many parts, including the city, and makes for impressive viewing and scrambling.
In Europe, we've noticed the national parks are set out differently from those in the United States. A basic difference is that in the latter country, one can drive into and about the park, allowing a person to reach most trailheads on wheels. Whereas in European parks we have hiked, and now referring to Poland specifically, cars are not permitted into the park. Therefore, one has to walk miles to reach a trailhead, making the distances longer and at times, repetitive. In fact, it takes twenty minutes on an incline to reach the entrance to the park from the parking lot.
One of our recent discoveries is trail-distance marking. In most countries, they are measured in time. In the US, the criterion is distance. I have always preferred the latter. Nevertheless, in thinking it through carefully, I'm inclined to reconsider my bias and select time.
The way I see it, distance is an absolute. A trail may be, say, a mile long. A person knows what it takes to walk that distance. It's fixed. If a person walks at 3 miles an hour, he requires twenty minutes—simple. Now when the trail is measured in time, it becomes much easier. I look to the board and see time required is twenty minutes. Terrific. I'm now under no pressure to walk at a fast pace. I only have to walk for twenty minutes and I'll arrive at the destination. The trail board tells me that. Therefore, I can walk at a much slower pace or at any speed. Hence, I deduce trails measured in time rather than distance are much easier or at least, comfortable.
Any questions? By the way, to supplement our income, I will be offering a course in logic.
Giewont viewed from Kondracka Ridge.
The ridge that separates two countries, Poland (left) and Slovakia. We have always been fascinated by crossings on foot. Some include South Africa and Lesotho, Austria and Italy, Slovenia/Italy/Austria, France/Spain, Switzerland/France, Andorra/Spain, France/Andorra and others plus multiple places within the foregoing.
A clear trail cut into the mountain always provides a good view.
Approaching the 3rd of some 5 false peaks.
Jenni now higher than Giewont. For a hiker, distances and heights are a 'big deal'. Rolling up of the sleeve is another big deal; it could mean trouble for one of us.
Particularly enjoyed this view which gives the impression of looking down from a plane.
Jen on the way down from the peak toward the ridge. We climbed a different trail from those hikers below.
On a lower ridge as the fog moves out for a short period allowing (the subject) a view from Poland into Slovakia.
Fog moves in again providing terrific contrasts.
We suppose one could call it 'a view' after 3 hours of sweating with an overall gain of 3,300 feet.
Pretty versatile, weary and worn...and many think he can only hike. The hut is about 1,400 feet above our starting point and 2,100 below the peak. "Madam, tea is served."
In our last blog, we mentioned the difficulties we had 'enjoyed' (staying positive you might detect). We did have passports but there we were without an International Driver's licence having paid for a car but denied it and thus, being without one. After taking a taxi to the hotel, which worked out at 3-times the price of the Uber we rode the morning following back to the airport, Jenni did some research on drivers' licencing. Long story short: After a few bumps on the internet, a Florida company issued me a licence without checking whether I could drive. They trust the California standards. Risky. Subsequently, we forwarded the electronic licence to the rental company but never received an acknowledgement. Nevertheless, we were making some progress.
The following morning, we called for an Uber and returned to the rental office hoping that our car would be available. Office closed. Apparently, we were still on a roll. We had not yet purchased data for the phone (often don't) although we use it as a GPS device (the main reason for having it). Unfortunately, Jenni is not that good about directions in foreign countries whereas I'm of course,...worse. We traipsed down to the store below to seek help in contacting the company. As in the past, most people are very helpful and we are extremely grateful—they speak the local language, too which of course is a big issue. Thereafter, things turned positive and we drove away in a rental after the manager copied the magic number off the licence with barely a glance at the rest of it.
By that stage, we were having second thoughts on a number of issues. During our research, we discovered some negative aspects of driving in Ukraine. We made some drastic changes to our plans that caused us to sit up and wonder whether we were still sane. We amended routes, countries to visit, accommodation, hired another car to close a gap, abandoned Ukraine with relief and added more time in Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Greece. In retrospect, it has been a very favorable move although one of course cannot predict what a visit to that country might have entailed. The more fluid situations become, it seems the more we enjoy them. Although, too much liquid floating about the brain is also not such a great idea. We will add that at times, too much flexibility can really test one but in the end, can't be matched. It's ultimately about freedom, adventure, discovery, newness and usually accompanied with an element of stress.
(To be continued...this time on wheels).
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A very rich, tough and attractive environment.
"Listen to me, fella: If you don't get out the way I'm gonna... Oh! I see. Actually, I'd love a shot of you with Jenni."
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