Walking in the Tatra Mountains
once we reached the pass at the top of the valley the route would bring us down to the Dolina Strazyska Valley with the red symbols. We were unable to ask our fellow walkers for directions as they were not English speakers so Kiwi resilience was needed.
It was a hard slog up a wooded hillside, it was steep in places as we ascended the track leading up to a waterfall. This was a popular spot for the locals as groups of walkers were resting and relaxing in the shade of the fir trees. Time for a rest and a snack before the ascent to the pass.
The temperatures were in the high twenties, unusually warm for the area but Poland was experiencing a drought so we were glad of our water bottles and we too sought shelter under the spruce trees. What a climb. We climbed up to the pass at 1370 meters so the muscles were protesting and our knees felt like jelly. What had we signed up for?
The terrain was well sign posted but challenging. The path continued on, leading up towards the pass, even steeper with rocky slabs to negotiate. Every step needed to be carefully placed to avoid injury. The views were worth it though.
At the pass I decided to climb to the top of the Sarnia Skala peak for the view out over Zakopane. Well it was a challenge getting up there but I made it. I had to scramble up a steep ascent to stand atop the peak with fellow climbers. What a view, bigger mountain peaks ranged behind us and the valley spread out at our feet. It was well worth the effort.
It was worse coming down. Hand over hand in places and the gravel underfoot made for some testing moments.
I can say, “I have climbed a peak in the Tatra Mountains”.
Now I plan to rest on my laurels. Lit-
tle did I know what else was in store in the days ahead.
It was a long climb down the mountain track heading towards the Dolina Strazyska Valley, there were some tough sections to negotiate and it was easy to fall on the rocky pathway so total concentration was needed over the rocky terrain as we descended towards the valley but it became easier and we enjoyed our walk through the forest and along the valley floor.
The scenery was spectacular and the late afternoon sun showed up the colours of the mountain scenery, a rich mix of blues and purples.
There were lots of colourful plants in the lower valleys along with beech, spruce and pine trees. mountain chalets provided stopovers for the walkers and in winter a place for skiers to stay in. Some of the chalets served light snacks and provided water and snacks.
Five hours later we finished the walk back along the Droga Pod Reglami towards the town of Zakopane so it was a relief to have a hot shower and a cup of tea before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. We had traditional dumplings, salads, cheese and ice cream with warmed cherries to complete the meal.
Just lovely sitting outside listening to a local polish band performing indoors to a receptive crowd. Time for bed. We do it all over again tomorrow.
Our first day out may have started badly but it turned into an adventure worth experiencing.