69.21 Bulgaria: Yogadina: A decent hike up to Eagle Eye while viewing heavenly sites/sights, both up-and back.

  From the initial starting point, the colors seemed reasonable, nothing extraordinary. As we gained elevation, things changed and quite dramatically, in fact, drastically. The higher we reached, the further into the distance our views increased until we could see to the mountains in the far distance, incorporating the valleys in-between. The light changed which further enhanced the colors as well as lit up shadows cast earlier when the sun was obviously lower in the sky. It became overwhelming, for wherever we looked, the scenes were basking in color, baskets of rich coloring in fact, saturated in the brightest of autumn offerings. Frankly, we don't recall seeing anything as dramatic as the sights seen on that Thursday morning in early autumn. 

  I did not need to photograph more than I had taken after an hour of climbing. Nevertheless, knowing I had enough pictures to capture the atmosphere on that mountain and the surrounds, I found it impossible not to continue with the next scene and then that one; how could I leave off the one just ahead or even right behind me? I conceded to my desire to continue to saturate myself through the camera with everything that looked even slightly different from what I had already seen and captured. It was a wonderful battle to lose. 

  Sometimes, one fails completely and yet comes out a winner; someone who has been favored to see and experience the best available. Of course, thereafter, the next scene that differs only slightly, then assumes the number one spot. Isn't it amazing that one can be sated with such sights and sites although on a temporary basis only? These magnificent 'prizes' do not belong to one, neither are they owned, but merely something to which one is exposed, yet leave an indelible mark in one's memory, residing somewhere in the soul forever. A true blessing! The ultimate gift. 

 The pictures from this hike, at least a few of them, have been included in videos posted earlier. Nevertheless, those below differ although of similar scenes, of course. 

  Finally, we separate the pictures with water in 3 places to neutralize the color strain upon the eyes.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

69.22 Bulgaria: The fourth time on the circuit: Snezhanka Tower, Orpheus Rocks, Yazovira Dam and Studenets, thereafter, reverse circuit. Add tail to hike to reach a special viewpoint.

With Jen being sidelined, unfortunately, after a month in Bulgaria, I was able to undertake a few hikes locally by walking out of the apartment and continuing into the mountains. It enabled me to get out for short hikes but being close by without having to use the car. 

  All-in-all, a totally unsatisfactory situation, one of much pain and suffering for Jen and dare I say, a big drain on myself. Nevertheless, I truly believe it brought some comfort to Jen knowing that I was out for a while and good for both my body and I suppose, aspects of my mind. Anyway, that's what she said most kindly. I'll need to do some thinking of the latter although this could place further strain upon my limited mind.   

  In addition, I found that the occasions in the forest provided a comfort and tranquility that moved me into different spaces, obviously of a physical nature, but also, a mental one...a different realm, quite remarkable.

After a mile incline, one reaches a dam and enjoys the tranquility...it sets the mood and tone for the day.
Reaching a position overlooking the forests, allows one to gain perspective of the valley, inter alia.
Reaching a viewpoint after arriving at the top of the mountain at Snezhanka Tower; one walks down further to gain a view of the Pirin Range. The high mountains in the distance are Mounts Vihren and Kutelo, two we have reached several times...that's not considered a boast...well, maybe close.

Hiking should not be without some feminine companionship, especially when one's beloved is on the 'injury list'. I say: "Relax and let it all hang out."
Another highpoint on the other side of the hike is Orpheus Rocks. Climbing on these rocks can be a little tricky but the views are awfully colorful.
A rare occasion when the sky was visible both by looking up and down.
From Orpheus Rocks, a view to the mountains across the way.
Another colorful view at ground level.
And a different view of something similar shown earlier, from part way up. One ought to be careful not to drop a pin in the forest; it might be difficult to trace.
Getting close when the view of Snezhanka Tower appears through the trees.
Oh! That is the tower reflecting somewhat lower down...some 900 feet lower.
No impediments blocking the proud tower with the sky appearing to show off for a change.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Looks like Snezhanka's little brother is making an appearance from below the lake surface.

69.16 Pamporovo, Bulgaria. Reach Studense and up Ski (slope 2) to Snezhana, across to Malina, down slopes (5a, 4 and 4a and across 6)...and home.

This trail is for the birds. We struggled up the steep, wet and soft underfoot while completely mesmerized for 3 hours in a wonderful environment. We might have mentioned that sentiment/feeling before. Well, we have a new system in which our frequently mentioned feelings/observations of wonder are initialized regularly. In this way, we avoid repetition; therefore, making it slightly more difficult to classify as boring.
Reminds us of a golf fairway. At least when you slice your drive, there is some reward in searching for the ball.
We avoid Snezhanka Tower after midnight, it seems too haunting.
Sounds feeble but the camera cannot capture the acuteness of the slopes (This is 5a, black diamond). Okay, I feel better now.

The extremely steep but short addendum to 4a, number 4. We classify this as 'rough diamond'. Love the visible tree trunks.
Snezhanka Tower helps the less competent with their ('his') bearings.
A few days before we hiked up the slope. This time we came down a slope parallel to this one. The turnoff (4a) is just to the right at the equipment.
In a few places we enter the serene forests.
Provides perspective of the terrain.
Black diamond (2) to/from Studenets.
Rich and overflowing with pride.
Sometimes one feels 'Big Brother' is lurking...um...history might just affirm this.
Some like a view of drops of sea water, others, grains of beach sand while many talk to the trees.
Almost a patterned-mix.
Walking down into a wall of trees.
So much more to see but it's enough, says Jen.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey