Wednesday, 2 September 2015

Day five and the hottest day yet.

Today was another day in Paradise. Thirty four degrees and not a cloud in the sky.We have been so lucky with the weather.It could be raining.In fact thunderstorms were forecast for tomorrow and rain until we leave Poland but we will see.It could change as weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Poland has been experiencing drought conditions this summer.
We packed up our bags ready for our transfer to Vel'ky Lipnik, a small village in Slovakia where our walk for the day begins in the Pieniny National Park and takes us to Stromowce.
We were told we would be visiting a castle but our driver did not speak English and looked confused so we went with the flow,hoping we would end up in the right place.It is tricky when you cannot recognize names-as we were told it would take forty minutes but we were two hours driving and no idea where we were until I spotted the village name on a sign post and started to relax.
We were dropped in the village and found the start of the track easily but the instructions then we're  a little terse so we were backwards and forwards until we found the stile across the fence with the right colors. Every trail is well marked with colors and once you get underway you are fine.Maps are good here.
The day was sizzling and the climb up to the pass above the village brutal.It reminded me of day one on the Akaroa walk!!!Straight up.
Lesnicke Pass was 420 meters above the village and exposed to the sun all the way.A welcome wind blew up as we climbed which was a relief.
This  part of the day was the tough bit but once we got to the top there was a little shop and some seating so we could catch a breath and admire the scenery.Autumn has arrived here and leaves are drifting down in the breeze as we pass trees near the village.
Up on the top we found a little farm with cows grazing and a bus stop!
After catching our breath we headed along the top of the ridge which undulated along a nice grassy track until we entered the bush and shade.
This was a lovely part of the walkway,several wooden shelters at look outs and just gentle ups and downs such a change from the past few days.We walked across meadows where hay was baled in big bales and great views to the Tatras.Really enjoyed this stretch of the walk.
We did not do the optional hill climb-read mountain.We have done enough of that.
We met very few people on this walk,two couples in total which is a great contrast to our other walks.We did get passed by a tractor and crew though.


The descent was not as pleasant because of a long stretch of dusty old road,  steep and slippery in placed which required some concentration but we made it without mishap.It took an hour and a half to get down to the village of Cerveny Kiastor, home of the Red Monastery Museum.It was suggested we stop for a visit but all our minds wanted was a place to stop and take off our boots and rehydrate.It must have been 35 degrees and we had walked for four hours so we headed across the footbridge and tracked down our hotel.


What a nice place it turned out to be.Very welcoming and a comfortable room with a deck.Perfect for the rest and recover phase of our day.A good shower and a nice meal restores the body and mind very quickly.
My blister is enormous and painful so a bit of Dr Selbie treatment needed before going out again.
Dinner was early here so we had a stroll along the river after tea and explored the local attractions.It is a small town but a busy one as rafting is big here.The climate is milder and the gardens well kept and colorful.
Anyway bed is calling,another day to  give thanks for.Ka kite ano....

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