60.11 Slovakia: Batizoveske Lake, another tough hike including unstable weather conditions.

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 minutes in rain which turned out to be pleasant. It also meant I did not have to shower for 8 days thereafter. (8 days @ 5 minutes a session.)
  Back to the present. On this occasion, I was on my own which in and of itself presents additional issues. Firstly, the GPS took me to the wrong place, initially. We corrected the situation, that is the system and me, after I threatened her with a withdrawal of power charges that night. I think it shocked her. Nevertheless, I expected a bit of an electrified atmosphere to develop between us but I think she chose to ignore me. Typical, just like her cousin Alexa. 

  On the rerun, I arrived at a major hospital complex. It still did not look familiar. I drove around searching for a trailhead. No success. I then headed toward the exit and as I approached, a lightbulb shone brightly in my mind. The scene was familiar. The young couple, the railway siding, hmm…and then I spotted a set of yellow trail signs. I had arrived. I turned off the light bulb and set off up a steep, rough, stony trail heading for the lake some 3,000 feet above, mostly through heavy vegetation including crossing a tricky stream. 

  At the time I reached the destination, I had not come across another person on the trail. This was surprising as during the summer holidays, we have found the mountains awfully busy. On the way down, difficult and tricky, no one was ahead or behind me returning although the late sleepers were heading up to the peak. By the way, the Europeans, as mentioned in the past, love the mountains and spend much time pursuing the challenges. They are a hardy bunch, mostly in good shape, who include many people our age and even older. 

In the early stages, much forest abounds.
Upon breaking out of the forest, a peak became visible plus the waterflow would soon make an appearance.

  Over the years, we’ve read about terrible situations developing for climbers caught in freezing weather. On occasion, I have considered it and wondered about losing one’s limbs, ears, nose, and the ultimate, life, because of extreme cold. Yesterday, I felt it. It was a reasonable day at ground level and becoming colder at altitude. However, once I peaked at the lake and without protection from the wind, it was freezing. Good thing it’s mid-summer. 

  I took many photographs, absorbed the surroundings, grabbed a quick bite as sitting in low temperatures is not fun and headed back down. The sight of the long waterfall observed from many positions on the mountain was enough to allow me to ignore the weather for short intervals. The towns below look superb from height and I believe one of the buildings is a sanatorium. Its position at the foot of the High Tatras makes a lot of sense based upon the type of people active in the region. 

  The length of the hike is not more than 3 miles each way which emphasizes the incline. The signage which has proved to be accurate, indicates the allotted time for the upward journey at 2.5 hours. Because I wish to display the right amount of modesty, I won't mention my speed. Well, let's say if anyone objects, I won't mention it. 

"Okay, does anyone object? Anyone? Don't be shy? Okay, no objections then I suppose I'll have to announce it, reluctantly, of course: less than 2 hours." 

  The one thing worth mentioning is that I went at a steady pace and really enjoyed it, the hike, as always. Which brings me to one of the advantages of exercise (mentioned in an email recently), particularly when one pushes oneself. I find the mental peace, satisfaction and reward is beyond understanding but nevertheless, an incredible benefit as well as tremendous upliftment. While the effects will be temporary, it's renewable each time fresh effort is made.

Earlier, in the text, I mentioned the hospital below. Getting closer to the top, allows a view of it.
The telephoto does a splendid job.
Perspective: The only level and stone-free section of the trail. 8 seconds of bliss. I should have repeated it a few times.

The City of Poprad.
A view of the town of Svit from the top using the big lense.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey