Hi there Hive Family,
This weekend the weather was very sunny and warm and we decided that it is time to do a long discussed hike to peak Kamenitsa. We have been talking about this peak for about an year but because it is a very long hike, we were alwaying postponing and lingering. But finally the time has come to do this incredible adventure:
We left the car far away from the first Lodge as the trail road was full of vast stones and we feared some of them may damage the lower suspension. We had a very long hike ahead but the weather forecast was impeccable so we didn´t have anything to be worried about.
We reached our first checkpoint relatively quickly. This is Lodge Demianica. We ate some snacks, rejuvanated and were off to our second target - Lodge Tevno Ezero.
Before reaching our second checkpoint, we had to overcome a lot of denivelation and at the same time enjoy the heart of Pirin mountain. We passed by numerous peaks and rivers on our way. The nature is really beautiful with clear skies.
We had a steep climbing section but we overcame it relatively effortless. The peak that you see on the last image at the far left side is actually Peak Kamenitsa. Very dangerous, alpine region. We were very excited to see it closer and traverse it.
Interesting pathway that passed directly through a so-called electric shepherd. I guess this is supposed to stop the animals from going any further either way. Luckily for us, it did not have any charge so we opened it and passed with no problems. Loved the experience!
We finally reached our second checkpoint. Refuge Tevno Ezero - Tevno Lake. Very cozy and neat place nestled around giant respect provoking peaks. Really comfortable with friendly people were hosting the place. The views and scenery was just breathtaking.
We went inside for a bowl of soup and an omelette. As you can see, the images inside compared to my photos were quite identical. Of course they were taken from a superior level where the lake and the Refuge were looking like small objects. They are clearly not so small :D And my picture is taken just around the Lodge from ground level.
Time to overcome more denivelation. We are going for the peak! It will be an adrenaline pumping experience with really spectacular views.
Let the climb begin. It looks easier than it was in reality. Real challenge even for experienced climbers.
The climbing continues. We had to summit Small Kamenitsa before summiting Big Kamenitsa and it was a long distance way up.
We are almost there. In the distance behind me you can see small Kamenitsa which we summited and then had to descend.
Finally we are there! Peak Kamenitsa standing at 2822 meters high. Amazing place. The only bad thing was that we still had to return to our starting point which is more than 6 hours apart. The sun was already preparing to set and leave us with no light. We lucky that today the Moon was the fullest and there were no clouds, so the night was not going to be so dark.
Panoramic views in Pirin mountain with its highest peaks in the far distance. Something like 100 meters more. These are the highest points in Bulgaria. As we were preparing to leave, we saw a couple coming to the peak as the night was gathering. We soon found out that they are going to spend the night on the peak. They had a tent and everything else in their backpack. Realtime experience from high altitude! Why not! We will certainly do that one day. Just not today.
We had to be quick about it. The goal is to descend the most dangerous part and reach the Refuge before it gets too dark. Unfortunately, we realised that this will not be possible, but anyway, we will do our best to at come down from the cliff parts before the sunset. Hopefully and as you can see, we had the Sun setting on one side, but then the full moon on the other side rising strong. We were not going to be left completely alone and helpless.
These were the last good photos that I was able to make, before it got too dark. We safely returned back to the Refuge, then the Lodge beneath and finally the car. It was 4 o´clock in the morning when I arrived back home. The drive from Sofia to Bansko is approximately 3 hours when no traffic is involved. An exhausting but totally worthwhile journey in the higher vicinities.
Thank you for checking out my blog :)
Stay happy, be peaceful!
Namaste
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