42.06 Poland: Kuźnice: Kasprowy Wierch, the big one; what an outstanding hiking challenge.
Hold that flow. The road from the car to the park and return, a hike in and of itself after a tough day. This was another big day which included ascending some 3,500 feet. In the 5 hikes undertaken in the Zakopane region, we accumulated 600 feet less than 3 vertical miles. Because of the rocky underfoot, it does require careful treading, especially when the rocks and stones are wet. It also plays havoc with the feet. We sure miss the gravel trails even though they dirty our socks. Big deal! Nevertheless, the trails are constructed superbly and maintained accordingly. As for the locals, they seem enthusiastic about hiking and being outdoors. In addition, they are tough, focused, keen and fearless. This applies to all ages beginning with young kids and including kids in their sixties and seventies. The only issue we have with Zakopane is that being a wonderful city surrounded by terrific mountains, forests, lakes and other features of nature, causes the population to flock t...