When Jeremy and I decided to go to Europe we also decided to attach a trek to the adventure too. We wanted a trek in which we were carrying our own packs and taking our bodies from point A to point B on our own two feet. We decided on a trek through the High Tatras in Slovakia and Poland. It was rated as being a little bit more difficult than Everest Base Camp - but I was up for the challenge.
Our first day started with a bus ride from Zakopane into Slovakia. The bus driver was a volunteer mountain rescue man who looked like he drives a Harley on the side. He had big white sideburns, a handlebar moustache and some really tight pants. He wore a red and black jacket with a patch that authorized him to go searching in avalanches for mountaineers in trouble.
When we got to Slovakia our Hells Angel / Mountain Rescue bus driver dropped us off and we made our way, on a relatively flat and smooth path, to a small lodge where we ate lentil soup and stale bread for lunch. From there we trekked another 1.5 hours towards our final destination for the day: Chat pri Zelenom, The Green Lake Hut.
I don't know how we didn't learn our lesson, especially after being caught in a down pour at Ama Dablam basecamp in Nepal aka the most miserable experience of my life (but in retrospect, damn, what a good time) - but we came into this trekking experience without any rain gear. And it started to rain. We made it to the Green Hut Lodge just in time. I only had a couple of hot spots on my heels and failed to note my newly forming blisters as foreshadowing to the kind of condition I'd be in on this adventure.
We checked into our lodge and had a snack of cake and beer. I noted in my travel log that this kind of consumption has got to stop once we get home. Oh, Kathleen from July 2012. How I wish I could tell you that that kind of consumption has got to stop immediately - cake and beer do not proper trekking fuel make.
Have I noted how beautiful the Tatras are? Because so far... so beautiful.
Next up: Cold Lakes and Crap Knees
I love it when you pop in with another part of the trip series! I keep wondering about it. And nice teaser at the end, haha.
ReplyDeleteFrancine - Ha! I know... Eventually I'll compile it all together (like I did for Nepal) and include it on a page of its own. When I came back from Everest I had zero clients and documenting the trek was a full time job. It has more than paid for itself - but I haven't had that luxury of time this time around. Once I returned from Poland I went full force in to work and other projects that I was too excited to share (now). But yes! Hopefully I can wrap up the Europe trip within the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny - after I read your posts I feel like we have so much in common. Your adventures sound awesome.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying the recaps of your adventure! I get so excited every time I see a new one pop up in my reader!
ReplyDeleteHeather Hands - Do you refuse to buy rain gear against better judgment too?
ReplyDeleteAmanda - Ah, thanks! Hopefully I've got a little momentum to finish sharing this trip in a timely fashion.
oh now i'm scared to hear the rest... blisters... *shudder*
ReplyDelete