Botev Peak!

This was a proud moment for me in Bulgaria. I hiked Botev Peak. I hiked the 7700 foot peak!!! It is not the tallest peak in Bulgaria, but it is the tallest peak in the Central Balkan National Park, which includes the Stara Planina or Old Mountains. And so the story goes....

(A big smile as we finally reached the top.)

First, I headed to the northern town of Svishtov where I met up with my friend Max, a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer. With a good nights rest behind us, we took the hot stuffy micro bus to Troyan, where we then waited for the next bus out to Apriltsi. This is where the true adventure started. We stocked up on plenty of water and food as we would be out in the nature for several days. Away from the hot dusty towns of Bulgaria, but tucked away in the fresh mountain air. We managed to find a ride out to the trail head in the small village of Vidima, where we started the adventure up the northern side of the mountain. From hot melting asphalt, past mountain rivers, up the steep forest path, and a good 5500 feet up and 4 or 5 hours later we finally made it to our destination for the night. Hidja Pleven. More accurately, we made it to our mountain hut. (On a side note, this was probably the nicest mountain hut I have stayed in here in Bulgaria. They had warm showers, a firm bed, a hot meal, cold beer, and even satellite TV. Although, why bother with the TV when the views and nature are way more desirable.)

(Trail sign at Hidja Pleven pointing the way to Botev.)

Another good nights rest, and we rose early ready to tackle the mountain. I knew it would be challenging and exhausting, but to be frank, I was nervous for what lay ahead. The first leg of the hike was about 500 meters straight up hill. At least I knew what was in store. It was only going to get harder from there. The hike was amazing. The views constantly amazed me, being that much more impressive the higher we climbed. We had a few easier passes along the ridge, but as we continued on, the paths were getting steeper and steeper. The last leg of the climb was incredibly difficult as it was straight uphill for at least an hour or so. But once we reached the top, nothing seemed to matter. I felt refreshed and revitalized by just being there, looking out and taking in the breathtaking sights all around. I no longer seemed tired but ready for more.

(Paradise Waterfall)

And more is what we got. We decided to take the adventure one more step ahead and hike over the mountain, coming down on the Southern side of the mountain. This gave us a chance to see more of the protected reserves we were gallivanting through. Our next destination was Hidja Rai, another mountain hut where we hoped to find shelter for the night. I was looking forward to the hike down, but didn't realize it would turn out to be so hard. It was a steep, rocky path down in the blaring sun. We had almost reached the hut when were were suddenly caught in a huge storm. Lightening struck, thunder sounded, and hail followed. It came at a beautiful moment though. We had just reached the Raisko Praskalo or Paradise waterfall. It is the highest waterfall in Bulgaria at 410 feet. Magnificent! Had it not been storming, we probably would have hiked to the waterfall, but instead just kept going.

(The end. Tired and beat up. We made it up, over and down the other side!)

We finally reached the hidja only to discover they were all booked up for the night. But not to fret, we made friends with two kind Bulgarians who offered to give us a ride into the city when we reached the bottom. As it turned out they were very avid hikers and it was hard to keep up. It made me incredibly thankful to have Max around. I am sure he could have hiked a bit faster than was my pace, but we were in it together as he said. He was very patient and encouraging though it all. Not in any rush at all. A good hiking buddy. After 12 hours, one bee sting, and a couple of sore bodies, we made it to the bottom in one piece. I must say, this had to be one of the coolest things I have ever done. It was incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally. But man, so worth it. I cant wait for the my next climb!!