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 ...