Around the World with Hardy(T)Around the World with Hardy(T)As the weather is eventually clearing, I decide to jump on an early bus
to Štrbske Pleso. After a bizarre supermarket experience - you're not
allowed in the shop without a basket, but you have to queue for a basket.
Mustn't grumble, a few days shopping came to about 60p - and head off into
the mountains. It's an excellent decision as I soon leave the crowds behind
and begin to stretch those bus-cramped legs of mine. The walk starts easily
enough - a very pleasant stroll through the woods with beautiful coloured
wildflowers beside the path and the occasional glimpse through the trees
of the magnificent Tatry. However, as I'm sat beside the lake at Pleso having
a bit of a breather, I notice several tiny figures scrambling up what appears
to be a vertical rock face! A quick look at the map confirms that this is
the beginning of the path back to Horný Smokovec! [Incidentally,
why do Slovakians always wear shell suits, even when out bushwalking?]
It's actually not that bad (who am I trying to kid?) and I eventually clamber to the top and catch the spectacular views of Štrbske Pleso, which actually turns out to be a huge ski resort with a massive glacial lake as its centrepiece. Must've missed all that on the way up!
The Magistrála Trail then turns east and
heads towards home along a south facing contour just below the ridge of
the Tatry. It's pretty bleak up there as the clouds come back down, and
the bare rock is only occasionally interrupted by a swathe of heather or
a glacial lake. Of course, when the clouds break, the views are fantastic.
The walking paths are very well waymarked but, interestingly enough, the
distances are given in hours rather than miles or km. Who calibrates them?
Luckily they seem to have been calibrated with my sized legs in mind as
I arrived at the Sliezsky Dom chalet bang on time. Possibly the worst cup
of coffee I've ever endured at least warms me up and I spend a pleasant
few minutes talking to an elderly English couple who had just retired to
Slovakia. Takes all sorts, I suppose.
After the chalet, the descent into Horný Smokovec begins and it's a pleasant walk once more through wooded slopes back into the town. I'm feeling quite tired so I treat myself, perhaps unwisely, to a "Bum-Bum" ice cream once I get back. And after a quick wash and brush up, I retire to the hotel and lose myself in a few "Thirsty Monk" beers...
Next stop is the Slovakian capital, Bratislava...