60:52 Bulgaria: Devin Color: An Eco trail with 3 finishes which included the 'finish' of our trip. 60.53 A hike from Devin toward the other flank of Grebenetz.

Tunnel of leaves. 

  

As we close in on the last few days in Bulgaria, the thought of departing from the country is not a pleasant one. It would not be exaggerating in stating that spending a few months in this country each year, or longer, would be ideal. Jenni may not concur but I doubt whether I would have to twist her arm or offer a more than modest bribe as an incentive. I think the 'kicker' might be that she does not have to hike to the peak of Kutelo and thereafter along the narrow ridge. 

  I would state without exaggeration that being in the mountains over the autumn period is nothing short of spectacular. What I will concede, in fact I have always mentioned it, is that we would not wish to visit the country during winter. In each forest we frequented, the preparations for winter, especially during the last couple of weeks, sent the shivers down our spines. As we are not skiers, the only reason to be here during winter would be to witness the snow-capped mountains. We did attain views of mountains with snow in places, therefore, that issue is solved. So winter means back to the deserts, another incredible place to locate ourselves for the season. 

  Heck, nature has it all worked out for 'bangbroeke'. I trust any reader who followed our recent Nepal trip retained the meaning of that Afrikaans word and concept. Sums it up succinctly.

 

A little house below on the Bulgarian 'prairie'.

A peek through the forest down to Devin.
A colorful view of Grebenetz Peak as we continue to ascend.
Lovers' leafy tunnel
As we commence our hike, beginning from our apartment, we turn around and look at the backdrop. 

A view of the Gazebo, frequently mentioned, from the town.
Reminds us of Manhattan (not). Actually, we find the lifestyle of calm and tranquility balanced with adventure so attractive and satisfying. At the risk of being bombarded about this small-town mentality, we think we lost our way until we rekindled the inherent bush mentality, in a manner of speaking. I might skip the horse-and-buggy, though.

Finding our own way (off-trail) up a steep incline, the price of the short-cut. Jenni often has good reasons not to be enamored with her 'mate'.

If there's one natural element I never tire of, it's surely autumn coloring. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey