Hi there Hive Family,
After our incredible hike to peak Mytikas in Greece we were still euphoric and very much willing to make yet another epic hike so we chose the alpine ridge - The Guards. The name implied that this is something that will definetely pump our bloodstream with adrenaline and amazing moments.
For this reason, we decided to sleep at the nearby village so that we do not have to drive the next morning, but just wake up and take the lift to the higher altitudes and save us precious time. We were also concerned because the weather forecast for the following day was predicting thick greyish clouds and chances for rain and thunderstorms. We needed to be quick and possibly finish our hike before afternoon hours. Otherwise may be running for our lives apart of the fact that we are heading to an alpine place.
And so we woke up as early as the lift allowed us 6:30. We ate some traditional fried bread with marmalade and honey, and also pancakes. Off to a great start with a lot of carbohydrates. This was very important!
And so we took the ski-lift and a few meters ahead was Lodge Bezbog. At more thatn 2200 meters high the air was crispy clean and fresh.
The Lodge has its own lake gently placed in front. The view from afar are just precious.
We didn't waste any time and began the first serious denivelation climb. The sky was looking promising but we knew that after noon, things will get worse and in a very quick fashion.
After an hour of walking, the first views uncovered. Spectacular but we were yet to see more amazing scenery.
We were on our way to peak Polezhan. An intermediate peak that we needed to climb before heading to the guards. And the weather suddenly did not look so bright and sunny. But we had a goal and backing out was not an option. For the time being at least.
This is the southern part of Pirin mountain. Beautiful peaks and amazing panoramic views.
While ascending the final meters of peak Polezhan we passed by rocky surfaces some of which the people had placed rectangular stones as antennas and also pyramids. It was really an interesting sight.
We finally reached peak Polezhan and I can say with no doubt that from there the views are one of the very best in Pirin mountain.
Here are some of the views around peak Polezhan. Amazing scenery.
Next stop - The Guards. We now have to descend the peak and then make a new ascend in north-west direction.
The surroundings on our way. Soon we will be faced with our first challenge. Traversing rock on high altitute with chasms and abyss looking down.
While the weather was getting worse, we were slowly closing in to our goal. We did not want to give up. We were so close, but did not expect some of the obsticles that we needed to overcome.
It doesn't look so bad from the pictures but it was a real challenge to traverse this region. The passage was so narrow that we hardly stepped on the rock surface and had the fear of losing balance and falling into the chasm. I personally felt very pressured and uncomfortable there. Luckily, my hands grabbed really well and I could rely on them for additional support.
Finally! The last ascend. This is The Big Guard. I was suprised to find out that this climb was much easier and more natural for me, than the previous traverse. I loved it and did not feel any fear or pressure. I tons of fun.
The peak itself. We were late but fortunately, the thunderstorms did not come to us. Some of the surroundings were not so lucky as we saw pouring rain not too far away. It was time to begin our descend. We reached our destination. Time to go to safer grounds.
We were relatively quick on our way down and to speed up the descend we did not go the same way back but we went straight down from one of the surrounding steeps.
This is descend point. Decent denivelation. Still we had to be cautions as the terrain was highly unstable and one bad step could cause a slip which can transform into a deadly snowball. We had to take a brake and so we did. But there was a nearby river and the mosquitos were relentless. They were like vampires and did not care if they will die trying to suck on my blood. They just went for it like crazy. We had to move on like immediately.
The way down was really colorful and full of greeny nature. We enjoyed it but were met with a lot of obstructions from wild junipers and other thorn bushes. But we survived.
It was a blast. We did a circle route and we greated by the local shepherd dog at Lodge Bezbog.
Thank you for checking out my blog :)
Stay happy, be peaceful!
Namaste
Follow me on Twitter