Taking the gap.
As we came over the ridge, the scene stunned us. We did not realize a lake existed as it had been under cloud and mist cover moments before.
Clouds dissipate for a moment.
...and then return just as quickly at Sinanishko Lake.
While walking down a steep slope in a forest on a wet day, having just put on our distinctive blue ponchos, I paused to think for a moment. Some might say: 'Nice change'. I suppose so.
What were we doing mid-afternoon on an early winter afternoon, off-trail, slippery underfoot, about to be rained upon and straining to find a reasonable path which would take us home. I mentioned this to Jen, one of those no-nonsense types, who make life a lot easier for themselves. She does not concern herself with things she cannot change. She has other issues. For example: Me.
Her reply was straight forward. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"I'm loving it," I replied. Bear in mind we were stuck in our apartment until 2pm earlier that day while we waited for the rain to abate. The weather can be difficult at times. Whether it will deteriorate into the final weeks of our trip is anyone's guess but thus far we have been, relatively speaking, most fortunate.
"There you are," she answered, "what more could you wish."
Of course, she was correct again. I really find I'm quite well house-trained although Jenni would disagree. She's very 'argumentative' as is common knowledge.
However, what was on my mind was how frequently we find ourselves in risky or otherwise situations. Is it just us or is this common to others? Who knows? Truth be told, it provides a lot of adventure and excitement, a little anxiety at times, and real adrenaline highs. Overall, wouldn't change it for anything.
In addition, we find it creates opportunities to see so much more than the typical guidebook suggestions, especially in regions not well documented. We love being in Bulgaria, our second occasion within a year. However, outside the very popular attractions, the trails, paths or land are not signed particularly well. We can understand this as the country probably doesn't have the funds. It looks like a struggling nation fighting to cope with the changes and adapt to a modern world.
Sometimes, one will find a marker in red, then the next in blue and maybe a yellow thereafter. Should a person be on a supposedly red-marked trail, what do you do about the frequent color changes and the lack of the original color marker. Sometimes we just accept that someone must have been here (presence of a marker) so we are not completely lost—perhaps, just not on the path we commenced.
A big help are the cigarette butts. Most people seem to smoke in this region. Eastern Europe has a different attitude from some western countries, it seems. The upside is that when you don't see cigarettes on the 'track' or land, you know you are lost. By the way, maybe because it's the season, but outside the very well frequented parks, we have seen very few hikers--lots of butts but mostly, those not attached to humans.
The correction of dumb acts on the trails often brings about great rewards and sometimes, even a nice story. There's something special in recovering from a certain situation. Often, it creates opportunities that otherwise would not be available. Hopefully, 70 is less than three years away and so we should mature by then. On second thoughts, we welcome the seventies, but perhaps we can extend the immaturity a bit. Sometimes though, acting dumb has its upside. We hope it's only an 'act'.
Jen stands above the lake; she's on the right.
Various reflections at the first lake, Okoto.
Rocky lake: Where do the rocks end and the water surface begins?
A great shot of my old 'bag'. (This is a repeat photo which was lost after the deletion of the original posting.)
Twin wives.
and a single husband. Is that an oxymoron (single husband) or is he just a moron or even an ox?
Unusual boulders and reflections.
Approaching the trailhead at the end of the day.
A day of surprises, the pleasant kinds.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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