Lazarow World-Hike-About

Jen sits on a low peak above the lake, in an isolated position but not far from the many visitors to the park. We will develop a full blog later. However, on a day that should have been less than ideal because of high winds, tough climbs and tired feet, we probably reached, besides the peak of Haramiyata, a high point in Hike-About. Once we had accepted the wind would be a hindrance and danger, the journey a little uncertain, the possibility of rain looming, the sluggish feelings we both had at the outset, the day turned on the figurative dime and resulted in triumph, satisfaction and a feeling for two insignificant souls of being at one with the world...(temporary, of course). In the 'former cover' picture above, Jen sits close to a peak (above rear lake) viewed from Haramiyata Peak (Black Peak) at 8,169 feet, across the way on another day. (3 of 7 Rila Lakes on display.) A view of Haramiyata Peak after returning from the top. Spectacular hiking experience is an...

We don't think 'gorgeous' is an exaggeration. In some circles, it is said that 'in the thick of things' originated on this trail. Jen reaches her first sighting of a clear path as well as the amazing surroundings. On the way down after leaving the meadow type mountains in the background. These Low Tatras have their own charm. Always thought the placement of warning signs: "Watch for falling rocks" was a little late on routes. A short, level and smooth section allowing one to 'catch one's breath' and take in the grand view. Below is the path to reach the current position as well as the chata. A hazy view of our village, Myto pod Dumbierom. Jen diverts on our return from the main trail to a peak overlooking General Stefanika Chata. A view of the peaks including Chopok, pointed out a couple of blogs before. Brunch on the rocks. Returning from a peak. Some perspective as we look down toward a commencement point o...

Liberty Statue, commemorating the liberation from the nazis.         Not wishing to display our ignorance, nor doing injustice to the scenes of Budapest, to the history of this fascinating city, we decided against including captions above the photographs, but for one. It probably smacks of laziness.      As is our custom, our inherent desire, whenever we could, was to reach the higher points of the city, always on foot. We went walking each day during our stay. Formerly, Budpest comprised two towns or cities, one on each side of the Danube, Pest and Buda. They are now united although remain with distinct 'personalities'. We ate and slept in Pest but walked toward Buda most days.     After spending a little less than a week in Prague, nearly 4 weeks in the mountains of Slovakia, we headed to Bulgaria for some serious hiking but stopped for 7 days in Budapest. Of course, the contrasts of living and wondering in any city, pa...

The day's target, Batizoveske Lake, reached. Yet another waterfall on the way up, close to the lake, amongst rich vegetation.   This was a challenging and terrific hike. Although I miss the deserts—sounds strange—we are not going to find them on this continent. However, the greenery is overwhelming and very easy on the eye. It also allows us to remain hidden from the bears which of course, suits Jenni. I’m neutral on the matter. Before commencing a hike, a key issue is arriving at the trailhead. This means one ought to find it first. Sounds obvious but not that easy. Five years before, we undertook this hike and struggled to find the commencement point until we met a young couple who obliged when the male member pulled out his I-phone and began to click. At the time, we were close to the trailhead but did not expect it to be at the small railway station. What do we know?  Weather worsened, for a change, once I reached the goal. On the return, spent about forty min...