Middle-aged flash packers

I have a few inaccuracies to clear up from yesterday’s blog post:
The peak we climbed called Rysy is 2500m high, not 2900m and we did not catch the train back. (Mores the bloomin’ pity)
Right, on with today.
Early start and out the door by 8.15am. Probably a record for us. And we made sandwiches. We could not believe the number of people also setting off at the same time. Obviously great minds think alike.

Some people peeled off onto other routes and some stayed on the same path as us.

We saw loads of young people walking, older people, people with kids etc. Its great seeing so many people enjoying the mountains.

The early to mid point of the hike was reasonably challenging, but the nice thing about Slovakia is the paths tend to be contoured so you don’t have very steep ascents. I swear it’s those that give me blisters.

Things got harder once it started raining. It was light rain but the paths are made up of huge limestone chunks which get slippy underfoot.

Next it was Steve’s favourite – via ferrata. For those unfamiliar with this, it’s a combination of chains, ropes and metal rungs to help you get up very tricky bits of the mountain. I absolutely love it, I don’t know why but I get such a buzz from it. Steve on the other hand hates it. He says it gives him vertigo.

Anyway, we got past it successfully and on the path went. My legs were getting very tired and I was glad to see a mountain hut that served refreshments. Walking in there was like walking into a huge steam room that smelt of body odour. Not that nice but I needed tea! I had their Sherpa tea which on the first sip tasted completely disgusting but by the end was actually quite palatable.

The group of ladies next to me (average age around 60) all changed their walking T-shirts right in front of everyone. No-one turned a hair as their very large bras were exposed to all and sundry. I think we Brits should take a leaf out of their book – why are we so prissy about everything? People could change into their casual gear on the train home from work, without having to contort themselves in the train loo.

Partially fortified, the next stage of the walk was a scramble to the summit. My legs were singing by this time and I was quite worried that I would mis-judge a rock and go slithering to kingdom come. This part went on for ages and I’ve decided I’m not a huge fan of scrambling, especially when people ahead are loosening rocks that threaten to fall on you.

I had my head down, watching where I was placing my feet and would probably have ended up in Poland had Steve not said “we’ve made it, we’re at the top!”

Hurrah for many reasons , not least that my legs at last got to stop.

Pretty amazing scenery I must say. Not dissimilar to a super-sized Lake District. Wonderful. Now for the route down.

Everyone always ignores the way down as though it doesn’t exist. Only getting to the top is important.

Well let me tell you the descent does exist and when your dodgy old knee enjoys the way up, but hates the way down, it’s just as challenging. Adding to the non-enjoyment was a downpour about 1 hour from the end. Thinking it wouldn’t last long, stupidly neither of us put our waterproof trousers on, nor did I put my gloves on. The end result was my hands were freezing and my legs soaked.

Steve took pity on me and sent me home while he went to get provisions for tomorrow.

I managed to get into the apartment but my hands were so cold it took ages to unclip my rucksack and take it off my back!

Having warmed up and now enjoying a rosy glow from a hot shower and a beer, I can say it was a great day and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge. That’s as long as I can actually move tomorrow!