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Monday, August 13, 2012

A hike in the mist

It rained much of the day on Saturday, so we used it as a relax day! And then on Sunday, we woke up to drizzle, but our couchsurfing host Blanka and her boyfriend had a hike planned for us in the morning with the local Jack Russell group that she gets together with.

We took her car to the nearby town of Roznov, and then took the bus up to meet the rest of the group.

It never did rain on us, but it sure was misty and foggy.

Hiking in the forest.

The trees looked pretty neat!

More trees in the fog.

Much of the hike was uphill.

Made it to the chalet!

There's a chalet at the top of Velky Javornik, one of the higher mountains in the area. It's a popular spot because quite a few trails lead up to there and so there were a lot of hikers and mountain bikers out, even though it wasn't a great day for weather. It's also a spot where hang gliders take off from, but certainly not yesterday!

Apparently there is a beautiful view behind us!

Our hiking group, with Miky (bottom left) and his three furry friends.

Came across this guy on the trail back down. He is a Fire Salamander (or "Mlok" in Czech!).

Blanka and Kevin, enjoying a cold beer after the hike!

They had a neat looking bike rack at the pub.

Turns out we did 14.8 kms (9.2 miles). 

Made it back to Zasova, and went for an early dinner. Blanka knew a restaurant that was doing a roast duck special that she thought we would enjoy, and we sure did. It was roast duck with potato dumplings and cabbage. Really good meal, and at a good price! Ruth had a glass of wine, and the rest of us had a beer with our meal. Total including tip for the four of us was 650 korunas ($32.50).

Well, the sunshine has returned this morning, so we're off to do another hike! This time, we're headed for the tallest mountain in the area. Should make up for the views we missed out on yesterday.

We've booked our ongoing travel...tomorrow we take the train to Zilina, Slovakia! Another new country for us!

24 comments:

  1. the photos of the trees remind of the Twilight books..spooky and mysterious!..glad that the two of you are enjoying yourselves!!..I am sure the view was there..just hidden behind the fog!!

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  2. I'd bet those dogs get a little nuts when the get together. Good thing Jack Russells are small.

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    1. Two of them didn't get along with each other so they just had to stay apart other than that they were pretty good. They did have fun!

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  3. Sorry for you view or lack of it, but that mist made some beautiful pictures!
    Safe travels.

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  4. Kevins sister ElaineAugust 13, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    Cool pictures - I've never seen fog right down to the ground like that in the forest.

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  5. Looks like a nice hike, with some very interesting erie scenery along the way.

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  6. Your posts from the Czech Republic have all been so upbeat - sounds like a wonderful place to visit - great people, food, etc. Did you happen to come across a town called Bechyne? We had another little visit of Czech culture with a visit to Bechyne, MN for their church festival. Visited Bechyne, ND earlier this summer! I'm sure you will enjoy Slovakia just as much.

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    1. No we didn't, it is south of Prague and we headed east of Prague. There may always be the next time though. I am sure that we will love Slovakia too!

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  7. Love those trees in the fog; surreal.

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  8. The fog is kinda cool. Sounds like a fun hike.

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  9. Sorry, but I think you guys looked kind of miserable all bundled up. And a cold beer would not have been my choice, hot chocolate. The pictures of the trees are really neat though. Once again I'm looking for utopia - sunny, but not hot. With some clouds thrown in but no rain or cold.

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    1. It was pretty chilly and we have to admit we would have loved to have it warmer but we did enjoy the hike even though we didn't see the view.

      We are looking for Utopia too We! haven't found it yet so I guess we will have to just keep looking.

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  10. I think you guys must rack-up about 50 miles a week on hikes. Ever thought about making the Santiago De Compostela pilgrimage in Spain? It's a beautiful hike.

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    1. I would love to do that hike, not sure if Kevin would or not. We have been walking/hiking so much lately that my hiking boots are starting to wear out.

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  11. May not have been good weather for the hike but sure did make for beautiful pictures. Just love your pictures of the forest in the fog. Too bad you didn't get to see the view, hopefully today will bring you spectacular sites.

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    1. I love the pictures in the fog too, it certainly makes for a different picture. We were a bit luckier today.

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  12. What a clever bike rack! Love the fog pictures - a misty moisty morning when cloudy was the weather. Couch surfing sure has lots of benefits beyond the bed. You'll have friends all over the world.

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    1. We have seen several unique bike racks. We love couchsurfing. Many of the experiences we have had on our travels in Czech Republic and Slovakia are because of our hosts. I think it would be more difficult to learn about the culture and the some of the out of the way places if not for them.

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  13. Even the fog photos are beautiful - unique bike rack - ditto the part of making friends all over the world - couch surfing sounds like a fun way to meet people and see the world!

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    1. We agree and hopefully one day we can return the favour to them. It would be so great to see them in Canada or Mexico and give them a place to stay. We will have many great memories of them.

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  14. Header pic needs to go in a calendar! Travels with Kevin and Ruth Calendar 2013!

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    1. Chris you may have just given us an idea, thanks!

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  15. Love hiking in the forest when the fog is swirling around you. The photos are really lovely. Sounds like you both are having a wonderful adventure.

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