Lazarow World-Hike-About

Within minutes the fog moved in, changing the final ascent completely. Visibility disappeared toward the top. Returning to Vihren hut, a treacherous, rocky and slippery trail. The hut is the commencement point for a number of hikes in Pirin National Park. For a long time, I’ve made the misjudgment of pronouncing that one hiking experience is the best or closest to the best of all time. The problem with stating such opinions is that someone will remind me of what I said the previous day, week or month of a similar pronouncement. After all, a person, no matter how lacking in discernment, cannot have thirty favorite hikes or at least 10 best hike(s) of all time. Even I know that,…I think. Well, where does that leave me? Fortunately, as I have aged and matured, (the latter is another opinion), I have also grown wiser ( an even bolder opinion). With this newly acquired wisdom, I am reticent to make rash judgments. Nevertheless, old habits die hard and lapses in judgment and wi...

Siklawa flows fast and furiously. Two lakes, two views and a myriad of reflections. We find the names just roll off the tongue and gag and choke us at the same time. We commenced the hike in the carpark as usual, with the name of Palenica Bialczanska, and headed toward the trailhead some 35 minutes distant which name is Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza. As mentioned previously, the trails are well utilized—read busy—although arriving early seems to beat the mob. The funny thing is the difficult and strenuous hikes are well frequented. You cannot intimidate the Poles easily. The day before we undertook the big hike of some 3,500 feet of elevation gain so we expected to be weary for this one. Fortunately, we seemed strong for a change and made it back safely and in reasonable time. What is so enjoyable in Europe is that many peaks and strategic positions en route provide accommodation, food and beverages. Although we always carry our own food on day hikes, the thought of a cup of ...

Target! Solisco Peak: Picture taken the day after the hike. (On the hike-day, clouds covered everything.) The season is 'a changing'. The long views were blocked as we spent most of our time in the clouds; the close views made up for it. Finally, reaching the peak of a great hike, the leaning tower of...won't say it. It looks awfully lonely on its own in the fog. Hard to resist although the falloff was about 2,000 feet. We realized many years ago, should a person wait, to go out into the wilds or on an adventure, until the weather were to improve, then that person would spend an awful amount of time waiting and basically, miss out on most opportunities. We estimate over the years, by venturing out in less than ideal weather, we have succeeded in enjoying ourselves at a ratio of better than 9 out of ten times. It's most interesting how bleak weather can change positively. Furthermore, each type of weather produces different challenges, views and e...

Should there be a call for tears to run down the cheeks, then perhaps it would be most appropriate to do so in the shadow of men who stood tall, way above their fellow travelers on this beautiful but awfully confused and at times, cruel planet. Our humble and totally inadequate tribute to these heroes, but three of a number of others. Jan Karski. Oskar Schindler. Tadesuz Pankiewicz. In awe and with appreciation, Jenni and Jeffrey Some perspective of Krakow, Poland. There are a number parks within the city, most sheltered by tall and old trees. The 'Cloth Hall', a commercial development dating back to 14th century. It's the oldest shopping center in Europe. I was reluctant to leave the town of Strba in Slovakia but we had commitments elsewhere. Last year, I had similar feelings. It means that I will need to convince Jenni of a return to this gem of a region. Somehow, I don't believe Jen will require too much of a convincing argument. ...