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Smurf Village, BC
Canada
1497 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 6:39 PM
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Jun 4, 2012
The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian Range in Central Europe, with the High Tatras forming the border between Poland and Slovakia.
We were in the Podbanske region for a few days and had the opportunity to do some exploring. The weather report was a bit sketchy, but it was warm and not raining yet, so we set out for a nearby hike. We got dropped off at the trailhead by 9:30am and arranged a pick up for 3:30pm.
 
The Tatras are hugely popular in the summer, with most trails officially opening Jun 15th. We didn't plan on waiting.
Our destination was for the ridge leading to Jakubina Peak. The trail begins in the forest, rising steeply above the valleys on either side. A fair bit of deadfall was evidence that this trail is either infrequently used or hadn't been cleaned up yet after the winter.
As luck would have it, we lost the main trail while navigating around a large fallen tree. The goat trail we ended up on was reminiscent of some dubious North Shore routes.
After about 75 lung busting minutes, we broke out of the forest and began seeing some views. Shortly after, the ridge appeared before us, making the effort worthwhile.
   
1. pyrite
2. blueberries
3. view of Pribylina village below
4. pretty cacti
   
5. checking the map
6-8. ascending Nižná Magura (Lower Magura peak)
  
9. Koliba pod Klinom (Klinom shelter)
10. standard local trail marker
11. interesting green beetle
As we summited Ostredok Peak, we discovered that the pole is actually a triangulation point. Looking across the valley, we could just make out another marker on Baranec Peak.
   
12. altimetre reading
13. taking a break
14-15. beginning our descent
  
16. salamander
17. caterpillar
18. dung beetle (the direct translation from Slovak is "shit roller")
We got back to the trailhead at 3:25pm. Pretty good time management, I'd say.
 
19. altimetre reading at trailhead
20. 3D map
Final stats: 6 hrs round trip, about 1,055m elevation change, distance one-way about 3.5km as the crow flies (more with all the zig-zagging)
Final thought...
The ascent was bloody hot, and I was exhausted from carrying 40lbs. of toddler and pack. We got the sun, but ridges to east and west were cloud covered. The wind picked up as we summited and it got damn cold in a hurry. It paid off hauling the extra clothes along! |
Edited by - guntis on 06/16/2012 6:47 PM
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
1762 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 8:46 PM
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| Nice job. It doesn't look so different from here, in some parts. |
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Richmond, BC
Canada
960 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 10:33 PM
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That is quite a trip with the little one, especially using the front carrier!
It is a very nice area. We did that about 3 years ago as part of Bystra-Klin-Ostredok loop and we too ended up on one of those goat trails on the way down. But no little ones to carry at that time yet :-). |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
1114 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 08:51 AM
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| Looks like she's about ready for the back pack....easier on the lower back as well. She'll love seeing those pix in a few years. |
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Smurf Village, BC
Canada
1497 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 5:05 PM
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quote:
thecamel Posted - 06/17/2012 : 08:51 AM
Looks like she's about ready for the back pack....easier on the lower back as well.
Yes, we've actually used the backpack. It is much better, but we didn't feel like bringing it on the plane. The front carrier takes up much less space as luggage. |
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 Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 7:31 PM
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| Nice! My family is from old Czech country which would've included those lands in their discussions and families before the split. I would love to hike there, someday. but, only not at night.....werewolves....shudder shudder...hehe beautiful pictures. |
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Ostredok Peak, Slovakia
