60.20 Bulgaria: Bansko: Banderitsa ski slope, providing a different perspective of the world and trying for a little self-understanding.

  The world looks different from height, usually far more dramatic, sometimes a little scary, other times very scary and invariable more attractive than from level positions. By world, perhaps it more accurate to say views create different impressions, not unlike humans, the further away the more attractive. However, the implication is the higher up the more attractive rather than the further way horizontally or laterally speaking. From height, one gains a better impression because most of the time there is little to obscure the view while allowing the eye-and-brain to absorb a fuller picture or perspective, a clearer defined subject. 

  The following photographs illustrate the concept mentioned above as they were taken on a very steep ski slope. The going was rough; after all it's never the intention to make such slopes comfortable for hikers or to encourage people to view them as nice alternatives to chairlifts. Obviously, when in use, they are covered in snow and therefore the terrain of gravel, grass, debris and rocks is irrelevant to winter users. 

  Every now and again, we think about life (hourly), usually our own and realize our lives are all about ups-and-downs, literally speaking. We are most grateful for this form of 'turbulence'. 

  We can promise you that at ground level, most of the structures are not 'pretty'. But from height, well...
For want of a better title, we termed this "Treehouse". Why a multi-story structure (rather than single) was built in the wilderness has us fooled. Was it to save a few trees or is it that land is so expensive?
Jen levels off for a little after an incredibly steep climb over an uneven surface. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful feeling and it certainly allows one to reach places not otherwise achievable. (Mounts Vihren and Kutelo in the background, peaks on which we stood and sat...and we suppose, ate too.)
It allowed her the following view, as an example.
and this one, too.
This photograph, taken 2 days earlier, shows Jenni walking away from the pond above toward the buildings. Clearly, the weather was different and it began to rain soon thereafter.
Jen still moving up. What do they say? 'If you're not going up, you're on the way down'.
Behind us are Vihren and Kutelo plus the distinguished curve. They are truly a unique pair. (Altitude 9,560 and 9,540 feet respectively.)
Kutelo with some color in front of us viewed from 8,346 feet.
Returning from Kutelo with a view of the Banderitsa slopes. One can make out the ski lift pylons on the mountain in the distance.
Time for a break and sparkling view. 

  Mount Vihren and an old buddy viewed from 7,366 feet, a mere 2,200 feet higher.
Peak of Mount Vihren, still buddies, but one of us is weary at 9,560 feet.
I talk to the trees and hope they'll let me through.
One of the less steep slopes.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

It felt like a view from an airplane, the town beyond Bansko.