Chasing Ideals

Two morns ago I traversed my highest ever peak, that of Triglav. With only two hours of sleep, shoes that threatened to seperate at any moment, and a few tasty sambos I set out with Blaz and eleven others to the 2800m (and then some) summit. My companions displayed concern over the likelihood of said shoes surviving the venture but I had ascents in Poland and Slovakia in the same pair to encourage my success here. I was not about to let my not having pictue perfect sportswear to prevent it as since the mention of Triglav some weeks ago I have wanted to surmount it. It is said that all Slovenes must scale this mountain at some point in life to truly call themselves such and the hearing of that statement more than peaked my interest.

Early morning hikes seem a cure for many ails and in this case the sleep deprivation was scarcely noticed and I was up the mountain pass like Heidi on steroids. Our only nourishment of the morn had been a kebab in Ljubljana which amazingly enough had in it meat and veg of good quality so there was no stomach destruction. The hike, the view, delectable sandwiches at lunch, the varied company, and the need for some rock climbing skill made for an exhilirating journey upwards. At the peak when all were rejuvenated in our success the customary arse whipping began. Apparently all first timers must receive two of the best from large rope on the behind. I ended up with three as a result of my cameraman not catching the first two wallops. When we scaled down to our mountain accomodation the tiredness finally hit and after a few card games and some tiredness-causing-giggles I was off to bed and a heavy headed sleep. I wanted to see the sunrise from that spot atop the nation and the 4:30 wakeup could not deter me. I was forced to wander far from our place and high back into the mountains off of the trail. I could imagine the voice of an old woman wailing "Don't wander off of the trail" but I then started questioning the necessity of such thinking. I was enthralled at the thought of seeing sunlight break over the mountains and was not to allow nonexistent trails to prevent me. As you will see in the pictures the effort and excitement were not in the least wasted as the experience left yours truly awestruck. The sun peeked its face upon me for only a few short moments but its affect on the landscape overwhelmed my senses with beautiful imagery. I returned to my bed filled with greater appreciation of the creator's work and inspired for our return voyage. The rest of the gang awoke shortly after and we set out on the long path through mountain lakes and dense greenery to the mountain base on the other side from where we had ascended. Thanks to considerate organization a van awaited us there to take us out for a marvelous last lunch together before we returned to our cars and the journey home.

I feel as though I may not have done this experience justice in this writing of it but I currently haven't the energy to improve. I would appreciate that those of you that wish to comment in future would be more descriptive. I like to receive any but especially something of whether parts of the post were enjoyed or meaningful would be more valuable to me. I write because I love to do so, I had never imagined I could receive so much enjoyment in it, but of course the input and encouragement of others is welcomed with glee. Take a look at the new photo albums on Lovable Quirks to get an idea of our venture. The second album has some misc. shots from last week.