The mountains, meeting and spending time with wonderful people, train trips, potato dumplings, walking in the old town at night time.
In the Sky
I close my eyes, I can feel the pounding of my heart, the blood coursing around my body, the thumping in my head, the movement of my chest with each deep breath and my legs are burning from the exertion. As I open my eyes I find myself in a valley of the High Tatras. In front of me is a crystal clear alpine lake with blues and greens which seem to emanate from the lake with such vibrancy. The lake is backed by a sheer cliff that is in its own shadow, hiding many of its features. Over my right shoulder is the peak that we have just stood on and surveyed across both Poland and Slovakia. Over my left shoulder the sun beats down on me and underneath is the exit from the valley. Behind me is another high mountain, which joins with the others to form a ring around us, almost as if to embrace us.
I lay back on the grass with a rock supporting my head, the sun now pressing down on my whole body and while it is warm it is not hot. I stare into the blue sky that is empty of clouds and seems to have a depth to it. Above me millions of seeds drift through the valley on the wind, catching the sun and glowing as they pass me. They remind me of gentle snowflakes which is fitting as the passing of the seeds, that the locals call babie leto, marks the end of summer. Watching those seeds drift through the valley reminds me of the possibilities of new beginnings.
I reflect on the approach to the summit. The last section of the approach was up a steep rock face, which offered chains for assistance. All of our focus had been on finding the next hand-hold or foot-hold and keeping our weight towards the face. One, two, three stable holds, the time is right to find a forth and so this continued. With each hand-hold that I find it feels as if the mountain is acknowledging my grip and giving me safe passage. Before realising it I had crossed the precipice and the mountain opened into a wide valley. In the foreground another alpine lake sat quietly, beyond the deep green of the pine forest stretched out. My imagination not required for the scene that was before me filled my heart, filled my mind.
I pull myself back to the now, Gabby and I decide to dip our feet into the lake. Instantly we are reminded that we are in the mountains as the sting of the cold penetrates deep into our tissue. Shortly after, Justyna Gabby and I are walking out of the valley, very pleased with every decision that led us here. On the way out the sky appears even bluer and the trees are even greener, it is clear that the High Tatras has enchanted me, she has awakened me.
The following photos are from the High Tatras
The following photos are from Bratislava
The following photos are from Devin Castle
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