60.04 Slovakia: High Tatras: Solisko Peak as we struggle with weather and are rewarded with fascinating sights.

Solisko Peak is partly covered in cloud, the middle mountain. We are at lake level obviously having just begun the hike. Should a person allege that I love reflections then I would not hesitate to plead guilty. The mountain on the right is the subject of the previous blog. At first glance, it appears we are focusing on one region at a time.
On our return to the lake, we find the 'pleasure cruisers'.
From the peak, we look toward the village of Strba, our location for the High Tatras. (This is for Maude and Theo Alge of Johannesburg who love clouds as well as to thank them for sending 'replacement luggage'. Pity! Maude got the color wrong.)
  The trails in the High Tatras form, inter alia, the Triple ‘S’. Simply expressed, they are strenuous, steep and stony. Other than that, they are quite a challenge, too. We should have remembered from previous trips to Slovakia and headed off to the Netherlands. Why you might ask? Firstly, unlike the Slovaks who struggle with English, our problem not theirs, the Dutch speak better English than many whose mother tongue is this truly remarkable and universal language. The second reason and certainly the more important one, Holland is basically flat. The highest point is 1,056 feet above sea level. We think we could look pretty competent tackling such giants. 

  Anyway, we are stuck here in Slovakia with tough hikes each time we venture out. (Thank goodness). The subject of today’s essay and pictures gave us particular pleasure from that which we witnessed and secondly, of reaching our car on the return. Man, we are becoming lazy whiners. This experience is one we particularly want to share as it provided some of nature’s magic as well as a tough climb over a short distance. Basically, the outward leg comprises 4 segments: A walk from the car around three-quarters of Strbske Pleso (lake), followed by a steep incline all the way to the peak. Part 2 was through the forest, the next aspect out in the open to reach the upper cable station with the conclusion being a steep section to the peak. I was delighted when the Cross that signifies the top of the mountain came into view. The end of the struggle was nigh. 

  The weather is very erratic although in another sense it’s in fact, consistent (I love oxymorons). It changes by the minute consistently, if not more frequently. At times, we walked in clouds, sometimes with visibility of only a few hundred feet. The lake and village below would disappear shielded by the clouds and one would have to be on full alert to catch a glimpse of what was below. The sights of mountains, lakes, the cable station and village as well as towns in the far distance provided pleasure for our senses. At one stage, when we sat at the top of the mountain, it was only when the clouds undertook a short disappearing act did we witness the sheer, vertical drop of over 2,800 feet, maybe more. 

  The photographs try to provide an indication of what it was like in this atmosphere although they don’t always capture the feeling of being there. What do some say: 'You had to be…'. Of course, they fail completely to capture Jen's efforts which have been sterling, notwithstanding her latest comment: 

"I'm done with Slovakia". 

This blurt could be heard resonating throughout the High Tatras, two days later, after completing even tougher hikes. Who knows what the morrow will bring? I'm most grateful English is not spoken much in this part of the world...and understood.

Upon leaving the forest, we look up to the cable station and the peak above it.
On our return, Jen looks well and content. She enjoyed an incredible flow of whining, impressive. I don't know where she finds the energy for it.
We begin to lose sight of our trail and it got worse...one massive white cloud shortly thereafter covered everything.
The lake and the surroundings return, allowing us a quick peek from the peak.
Jen trudges on the 3rd segment, a much steeper ascent than the camera is able to capture.
The surrounding mountains and cliffs.
It means we're close to the peak.
Attempting to reach the high spot, a 2,800 feet drop, within feet of the position. Maybe, not so smart.
Jen makes it to the peak.
A desire to reflect once more.
Clouds spread, reveal what's immediately below.
The top cable station viewed from below the peak.
Partial glimpse of the lake.
For perspective, a view of the lake on a 'good' day taken from the adjacent mountain, the previous hike.
Apparently, he reached the top. Now he has to come down...safely.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

 

One more can't be too bad, hey Jen?

That's two but who's counting?