69.04 Bulgaria: Banderitsa: One of the toughest days we can remember. Where's the trail? (introduction published previous week)

The going is rough and tough, but the sights and coloring go a long way to making it worthwhile. Besides, to turn back is unforgivable.

Jen keeps her head down and acts like a trooper...incredible effort.
  When we set out in the morning, we had no intention of undertaking this hike. It was planned for a later date. While there is no trail, only long grass, bushes, rocks, plenty of rolling stones (not music), and stuff you don't want to know, it's the type of challenge that attracts us. While we are not skiers, we find some of our best times are had on the ski-slopes. Who knows? Perhaps it's an underlying 'jealousy' of skiers; then again, maybe there's a fundamental tension with this activity because skiers are so lazy. They ride up in chairlifts and then glide downhill, never raising a sweat. Heck, where's the challenge? (Truth be told, we do admire them, but they can cling to the cold and snow). 

  A distinct advantage for us is that our hiking activities take place when their sport is 'closed'. (In fact, we do have the benefit (huh?) of hiking in snow, too.) This means the mountains, slopes and trails are quiet outside the snow season. Also, many of the ski resorts are closed or almost, allowing us to acquire accommodation easily while enjoying the calm and serenity of the locations. Most of the resorts/areas are also extremely attractive, especially during autumn, to which we believe the photographs attest. They're happy, we're happy...perhaps a tiny step toward 'peace on earth'. 

A few days later we hiked to the area below (the commencement of the Banderitsa-1 chairlift) via a completely different route. It provided another perspective and captured a partial reverse-view of the above picture.
Toward the end of the hike, Jen rises to face another hurdle on an easy path/road. A different slope behind leading to the same conclusion.
An unusually friendly hiker waves to Jen while the overpowering Mount Vihren looks on rather stoically.
A view of Bansko in the distance; a ski-station to the right that we passed and the pond near Banderitsa-1. There is also a children's playground in the area. We see quite a few elderly visitors trying the swings. We observe closely so that by next year, we'll be in the swing of it ourselves.
Quite staggering the shows nature presents at different times of the year. It's also less than gentle with its slopes.
A subtle display of the big mountains. Vihren on the left, Kutelo to the right and Jenni and Jeffrey considering a 'U-turn' home.
As we 'speak', Jen continues up the slope, a somewhat 'smoother' part of the trail.
After years of searching without wishing to check-in, we looked down and spotted the Hotel California under the 'eagles' above.
The next three deal with the views of the mountains, slope and mainly, the very attractive and unusual Kutelo.

Already struggling in the early stages of the third leg. Could do with a couple more legs. Been told often enough: I have the brain of an antelope so it seems not far to go to make the changes.
Close to home and in a more relaxed mode. Jen should not turn her back on Vihren...it might not forget such action on our visit.
Even the dead grass is attractive.
Another of Bansko: Higher up with a longer lense.
Ride the waves, Jen, hmm...slopes.
The slope should be declared 'illegal'...while Vihren at rear, 'smiles'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey