On Sunday, I got up very early, before sunrise at my accommodation. Although we had planned other activities together on Saturday evening, the woman who was going to drive us was not feeling well, so I went for a Blue Trail hike on my own. The sun was already shining, but it was still quite chilly when I took the bus to Tapolca. I planned to hike 17 kilometers to Badacsonytördemic following the blue signs.
Well, I had already lost the blue sign in Tapolca, so I left the town in the wrong place, so I had to drive a long stretch along the busy road. Residential areas are not my favourite anyway, as it is much easier to miss the painted signs. The other is completely open terrain with no trees, no rocks, no buildings, lots of forking paths where I don't know which way to go. I was very happy when I found the first sign outside the city, but I was not happy that I had to drive almost all the way on an asphalt road. I now walk in boots, which have stiff soles, and the hard asphalt or concrete is not good for my feet.
But the sight in the morning made up for all these inconveniences. At first the grass was wet everywhere from yesterday's rain and glistening in the sun.
I was surrounded by several volcanic mountains: in front of me the Szent György hill, where I was heading, to my left Csobánc with the castle on top, a little further away Badacsony and Szigliget, with lots of vineyards and colourful villages, in a sub-Mediterranean atmosphere.
Finally, I saw the famous basalt columns of Mount St George. They look like organ pipes! But to get up there, I'd have to find the blue sign that I'd lost in the maze of vineyard roads! I keep heading for the mountain, but I keep bumping into private property! Finally I met 3 women who helped me because they were also going to the top of the hill.
I walked ahead because I could follow the signs, but sometimes I stopped for a photo. Here is a buffet car with a nice view. Of course, out of season, it was closed.
I had to bend a bit higher under the branches, of course I have to take the backpack off, otherwise I get stuck.
It was only a few steps to the rest area, next to the tourist chalet (Kaán Károly kulcsosház). Unfortunately the house is very neglected, who knows when it was last used! Next to it, tourists built small towers of stones.
From here a very steep staircase leads to the basalt towers. The photo doesn't show it!
Read on to find out how this amazing geological formation was formed. Just click on it and zoom in!
View from the top
Second blooming of blackthorn with ripe berries