Last night we walked back to the restaurant on the lake (1,7km) for a beer and supper. Rob had beef smothered in horse radish sauce with mash and I had veal with an bread pudding sort of thing and cranberry sauce. Rob described the meal as hearty; I suggest wholesome. Twas traditional fare from the peasant era.
We set out just before nine this morning in cool (10C), overcast conditions after a hearty/wholesome breakfast (breads, cold meats, homemade plum jam, cheese, scrambled eggs). There were even some spells of sunshine. Within the hour we were in rain gear and never changed back.
About 2kms into the hike we hit a really tough ascent for about a km; imagine a steep staircase …. without the steps. The terrain was rough and wet with a generous network of exposed roots which were as slippery as ice. The rest of the ascent was easier but the wet conditions and occasion snow drifts were challenging.
When we hit the open exposed saddle, we had a choice: Start descending or continue another km up to the hut (Ceska Koca); a section we’d been told was not for the faint hearted. And they weren’t joking; hairy and scary walking on narrow ledges cut into the hillside with a very steep drop providing ample cause for caution; steel cables in the rock offered support on some sections. The wooden ladders climbing up the rock face or providing bridges over gaps in the path were wet and slippery. Not far from the top we encountered a wooden bridge that we considered too dangerous to attempt and we turned back. Climbing back down this section was a slow, scary slog.
The rest of the descent wasn’t bad except for a few very steep sections otherwise mainly on mountain paths and roads.
We got back at 2.30 thankful for a great hike and eager for a hot shower.
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