Slovakia: High Tatras.
We thought we'd put a video together of a selection of photographs from a number of hikes. We've fallen behind, probably lost forever, earlier hikes totaling some twenty-two for which no blog has been completed. I suppose thinking about doing one does not count. It wasn't that long ago when we were relatively efficient.
We'd like to pay tribute to Brian Murray, a good friend, who is a top musician. He has allowed us to use one of his compositions as background music for the video. Tom Jones, someone whom we favor, offered us one of his songs. It was embarrassing, faced with these two talents and having to decide, especially as we like the Welsh. Thinking about it, Brian has Scottish blood in him. In the end, the decision was easy—we love Brian's music even more than we love him. Thank you, Young Murray.
Life produces some odd occurrences. We mentioned that dogs join us to go on hikes in Bulgaria. This happens frequently. They wait at various points, see us coming, wag their tails and head out onto the trail. Last week, Jenni was making our breakfast for the slopes and I saw her producing extra—some sandwiches. She said it was food for the dogs. Nice idea.
'Why are you spreading on jam,' I asked.
"The bread's stale so I want to give the fellas a break." What do I know. I might have had a different reaction had she cut off the crusts.
We arrived at Perelik Hut and sat down in a cold wind, for brunch. I was particularly hungry and asked whether she still had the dog food from the previous week. Maybe it was still 'stale' and she threw it out as on the days before, we had not had canine company. Man, that jam made all the difference. You gotta love dog food sometimes. I kept a piece in case anyone joined us, human or animal, and sure enough, a dog arrived for a walk from out of a forest. We were able to give him a treat. I can't say I was happy to see my dog food disappear. The jam idea turned out pretty well for one of us.
It appears the Russians continue to view our blogs at a higher rate than any other nation. It's appropriate then that we received a terrific email from Barry Jahn, of Oregon, not Moscow. We quote, "Especially enjoy the stories behind the pics. Am thankful you were kind enough to publish them in English ... now that you're so fluent in Cyrillic." Funny guy! Da!
Най-добре дошли сте, Бари. (You are most welcome, Barry)
One last point before we hit the play button. After a particularly long hike today, close on 16 miles (which is ridiculous, Jenni), I was in the shower and struggling with the small bars of soap. They kept falling through the holder. These days, the soap dishes are of metal strips, allowing the excess water and moisture to drip through and down to the floor. This is a smart concept as it is more hygienic and neater than dishes. However, as you know, soap is slippery and at times difficult to hold. By placing it on these metal strips, there is propensity to constantly fall through. Our backs, especially after a hike, are not coping that well. I'm spending a large portion of shower time chasing after pieces of soap on the cubicle floor while my back protests vigorously. This time wasting causes the hot water to diminish and soon turn cold. Anyone who has a solution, should launch it and make a success, literally, clean up.
Red Rocks climb, probably the best and most challenging in the Rhodopes, thus far.
Slovakia: Low Tatras, Peak of Chopok. (The tired, lazy and aging quickly.)
Via ferrata, back to complete the full climb and return, after Jen accedes...a very special occasion. This section is a switch to another set of rungs, a little 'nippy' but superb.
A tough climb; Jen has a great day.
Closing in on the top, an emotional moment.
CLICK ON TEXT BELOW for VIDEO.
Brian Murray sings in Bulgaria (English version). For video of pictures and music, click HERE and then 'click' again on bottom right icon for full screen mode.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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