1. It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe. – Robert W. Service

2. Pissing through 6 inches of clothes with a 3-inch penis! – words by an Everest climber when asked what was the hardest thing about climbing Everest

3. When preparing to climb a mountain – pack a light heart. – Dan May

4. Life sucks a lot less when you add mountain air, a campfire and some peace and quiet. – Brooke Hampton

5. I can’t understand why men make all this fuss about Everest — it’s only a mountain. – Junko Tabei, first woman to climb Everest

6. One thing to remember on the Eiger, never look up, or you may need a plastic surgeon. – Don Whillans

7. Great things are done when men and mountains meet; this is not done by jostling in the street. – William Blake

8. Let’s not mince words: Everest doesn’t attract a whole lot of well-balanced folks. The self-selection process tends to weed out the cautious and the sensible in favor of those who are single-minded and incredibly driven. Which is a big reason the mountain is so dangerous. – Jon Krakauer

9. Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.  – Ed Viesturs

10. He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary. ― Friedrich Neitszche

11. Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. – T.S. Eliot

12. Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. ― Barry Finlay

13. Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained. – Aleksander Lwow

14. For me, a holiday is about taking a book and going to a mountain and reading. – Sonam Kapoor

15. I like the mountains because they make me feel small,’ Jeff says. ‘They help me sort out what’s important in life.”
― Mark Obmascik

16. May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. – Edward Abbey

17. Every man should pull a boat over a mountain once in his life. – Werner Herzog

18. I love to sit on a mountain top and gaze. I don’t think of anything but the people I care about and the view. – Julian Lennon

19. I have loved her, my little wanderer, with a mind full of wild forests and eyes that await adventures. – Conny Cernik

20. Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. – John Muir

21. In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can’t. – Rusty Baille

22. Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion. – Anatoli Boukreev

23. The mountain remains unmoved at seeming defeat by the mist. – Rabindranath Tagore

24. There’s a world out there, and you’ve got to look at both sides of the mountain in your lifetime. – Bill Janklow

25. Within a month of intense life in the mountains is going through so much, what used to be a period of several years; this is a occupancy for people greedy for life – human life is not enough. – Jerzy Kukuczka

26. You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves. – Lito Tejada-Flores

27. It’s not the Mountain we conquer, but ourselves. – Edmund Hillary

28. Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. – Hermann Buhl

29. I’ve realised that at the top of the mountain, there’s another mountain. – Andrew Garfield 

Pin it for later, because one always needs a good mountain quote in their life:

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Here are mine:

Krakow is full of history

The city dates back to 7^th century and was the capital of Poland during the country’s greatest era. Even if you come here knowing nothing about Polish history, you can get a pretty good understanding of it after visiting the must-sees, like Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica and Rynek Underground.

Centuries went by after those glorious times, and nearly 80 years ago Krakow met its worst moments in the face of the five-year Nazi occupation. It was in those dark days when the well-known heroics of Oscar Schindler came to the fore. The German industrialist managed to save thousands of Jews from Krakow by employing them in his enamel factory, which has been turned into museum and is now open to visitors. Schindler’s story inspired the 1982 prize-winning novel Schindler’s Ark, on which the highly successful movie Schindler’s List was later based.

You can literally spend an entire day (and night) jumping from one café to another without getting bored

… because they are all trendy, vibrant and full of everything you could want from a café. A morning apple pie and a cup of tea on an old school desk looking out over a small cobbled street in Nowa Provincja café makes for a nice start to the day.

I have to open brackets here to explain why you should drink tea instead of coffee. It’s because this is how most Poles choose to start their day and, of course, you want your Krakow experience to be as local as possible. Seriously, they drink a lot of tea – in the morning, before meals, after meals, before beer, after beer and pretty much all day round, or at least until it is acceptable to drink the country’s other best-loved drink: wodka.

If you want to get stuck into the wodka, Krakow offers you a lot of options to choose from – Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa, Tram Bar and Forum Przestrzenie, just to name a few. And just because you need to put some food in your body, as well, you might want to stop by Dynia Resto Bar, whose name translates as “Pumpkin”. When you visit this pumpkin-themed restaurant, prepare to be blown away by the number of meals that can be made from the starchy orange vegetable and how delicious they can actually be. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the cool setting and the chill atmosphere, especially in the summer garden. (No, it is not the garden they grow the pumpkins in, if you are wondering).

Perhaps you’d prefer some street food from Judah Square Food Truck Park. Don’t let the label “street food” fool you – a great variety of food can be found here and you can actually spend about half an hour making the agonizing decision between your love of sushi and your lust for burgers. (Pro tip: Life is short, get them both).

Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa

It is a city of youth with a great night life

… or “The Fountain of Youth” as I overheard one visibly 50-something lady in the aforementioned café name it, because all the 20-something backpackers, as well as local college students, made her remember her younger days and inspired her to bring more energy to her life now. Shout-out to you, unknown German lady, for not complaining about the loud, drunk crowds filling the streets of Krakow after dark, because the city’s nightlife can get pretty wild even for a 20-year-old. Fortunately, those same young people fill the daytime streets as well – this time acceptably sober – and create the energetic, youthful vibe of the city.

You can see a murder weapon hanging from the ceiling of a historic building in the center of the city

In the center of the Cloth Hall you can see an iron knife hanging from the ceiling. To explain what it’s doing there I have to first tell you the legend of how St Mary’s Church was built. In 13^th century, two brothers were hired to build the two towers of the church. The younger one saw that his brother was doing better and his tower was getting taller. (You can notice nowadays that one of the towers is taller than the other). Envy took over him – he killed his brother, and later killed himself, with the same knife that now dangles on a chain over the thousands of tourists who visit the hall every day. 

It can be the starting point for a lot of amazing day trips

• Some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Krakow is the most famous Nazi death camp: Auschwitz. Though “an amazing day trip” is surely the last thing you will want to call the experience of walking through the camp, it is one of those places that everyone should visit once, so that humanity might remember never to make the same mistakes again.
• About 14 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of Krakow you’ll find the salty underground world of Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you’ll be happy to trade the light of the surface world for some time in an amazing realm some 300 meters underground. The mine’s salt has some health-giving properties, while the cavern’s beauty is out of this world, with rock-salt chapels, sculptures and chandeliers that are truly spectacular to behold. You might be surprised to know that, over the years, bungee jumpers, windsurfers and dancers have performed their craft in Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Fun fact: the was one of the first 12 sites to be added to UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists in 1978.

• Zakopane – Poland’s winter capital – which also happens to be great during summer – is 84 kilometers (52 miles) away from Krakow in the Tatra Mountains. During the summer months, skiing and snowboarding can be substituted for cycling and quad-bike-riding, hiking and horse-riding. Those with a taste for architecture will appreciate the city’s distinct aesthetic, known as Zakopane or Witkiewicz style.

Pin it for later and remind yourself why you should plan your next trip to Krakow:

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Durango captures the quintessential spirit of the Wild West and marries it with a compelling blend of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and stunning natural beauty. 

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

Welcome to Durango

Embark on your Durango adventure by immersing yourself in the town’s atmosphere. Stroll through the heart of Durango to appreciate its historic architecture that echoes the spirit of the Wild West. Vibrant storefronts invite you to explore their diverse offerings, ranging from artisan crafts to local culinary treats.

Local Insights at the Welcome Center

Make a quick stop at the Durango Welcome Center. Friendly local experts can provide insider tips, and you can pick up brochures for attractions that catch your interest.

Culinary Explorations

Conclude your day with a hearty meal at one of Durango’s many locally-owned restaurants. The town offers a culinary journey, showcasing everything from traditional Western fare to contemporary fusion cuisine.

Day 2: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

All Aboard the Historic Train

Awake early to experience a highlight of Durango — the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This coal-fired, steam-operated train has been in operation since the 1880s and provides an authentic journey back in time. 

As you traverse through breathtaking canyons and remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest, you’ll be treated to stunning, unspoiled views.

Exploring Silverton

The train’s destination, Silverton, is a former silver mining camp that still holds onto its rugged charm. Now a National Historic Landmark, you can explore this quaint town at your leisure. Revel in its rich mining history, explore local shops, or savor a meal before your train journey back to Durango.

Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park

Dive into Ancient History

Your third day is dedicated to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park. The park is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, some dating back to 600 A.D.

Guided Tours to Ancient Sites

Join a guided tour to visit some of the most remarkable cliff dwellings such as the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Each of these sites provide a unique glimpse into the life of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Also, don’t miss out on visiting the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. The museum offers fascinating exhibits about the Ancestral Pueblo people and also provides stunning views of Mesa Verde and the surrounding valley.

In the next few days of your itinerary, you’ll balance your time between thrilling outdoor adventures and leisurely relaxation, all while experiencing the best that Durango has to offer. 

Day 4: The Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Durango

Durango Discovery Museum

One of the best things you can do with kids in Durango is to begin your day of family fun at the Durango Discovery Museum. This interactive science center offers a unique, hands-on learning experience. Children can delve into exhibits about energy, physics, and local history, stimulating their curiosity and fostering a love for science.

Powerhouse Science Center

Visit the Powerhouse Science Center. This dynamic space features an array of engaging exhibits and activities. Whether children are building and launching rockets or uncovering ancient dinosaur fossils, they’ll find endless opportunities for discovery and entertainment.

Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

After an exciting morning, slow the pace with a visit to the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Here, children can feed fish, learn about local wildlife through the museum’s exhibits, and unwind in the tranquil outdoor picnic area.

Day 5: Adventure in the San Juan Mountains

Explore the Trails

Embrace the invigorating mountain air and hit the trails of the majestic San Juan Mountains. Choose between guided tours or independent exploration. The trails cater to various activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and bird watching.

Picnic Amidst Nature

Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy against the backdrop of the spectacular mountain scenery. This is an ideal way to relax and rejuvenate before embarking on more adventures.

Day 6: Animas River and Hot Springs

Water Adventures on the Animas River

Start your day with some aquatic fun on the Animas River. Rent a raft, kayak, or tube, or join a guided white-water rafting trip for an adrenaline rush. The river’s sparkling waters promise a refreshing and exciting morning.

Unwind at Local Hot Springs

After a day of thrill and excitement, unwind in the healing waters of local hot springs. Options include the Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs or the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Allow the mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate you as you soak amidst picturesque settings.

Day 7: Leisurely Farewell

Exploring Downtown Durango

Spend your final day in Durango at a leisurely pace. Take this opportunity to explore any downtown shops or galleries you may have missed earlier in the week.

Animas River Trail

Take a relaxing walk along the Animas River Trail, breathing in the fresh air and reflecting on your week-long adventure.

Farewell Dinner

Finish off with a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Toast to a week well spent, savor local flavors, and share your favorite memories from the trip.

Final Remarks 

Durango, with its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse attractions, promises a vacation full of cherished memories. This itinerary provides a snapshot of the experiences that await in Durango. But remember, there’s always more to discover. Pack your bags and gear up for a week of exploration and relaxation in this Colorado gem. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Durango never fails to captivate its visitors.

The post The Ultimate Durango Itinerary: A Week of Exploration and Relaxation appeared first on 203Challenges.

The slopes of the Rhodope Mountains rise like guards in the sky protecting the houses below. Just steps away is the edge of a centuries-old evergreen forest. In the vicinity, the landscape is dotted with more than 20 chapels, with the River Persena running through. Go to its bank on the other side and look at the houses perched on the slope, as if drawn on a postcard. Just then the thought of space crosses your mind: cosmic tranquility and perfect harmony.

Orehovo village, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

People in Orehovo are talkative and always have broad smiles on their faces. True locals, they are used to seeing people with big backpacks roaming the streets. They will greet you and fill your soul with sheer joy.

Itineraries near Orehovo:

Orehovo may be a starting point for a hike, or it may be a place to chill-out. Either is good. Ask anyone in the village and they will give you directions – the area is very well-marked.

Near Orehovo village, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

You can hike to Kabata mountain hut (3 hours, marked with blue) or the natural stone phenomenon of the Marvelous Bridges (known as Chudnite Mostove, another 2 hours after Kabata), a favorite with locals and foreigners.

The Marvelous Bridges,, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

There is one slightly creepy site of interest near Orehovo – Cheleveshka Cave (Human Cave), where many residents of the village were burnt during the Ottoman rule. Around 12 km from Orehovo you will find the remains of an ancient Roman road (follow the signs). Persenk mountain hut is within a 3-hour walk. Less than a kilometer from the village, below the peak of Oreshnitsa, is Duplevo Waterfall. Just 2 km from Orehovo is Skakaloto Waterfall (take the paved road to Persenk mountain hut, and after a turn take the marked trail, going steeply down).

Duplevo Waterfall, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Visit also the natural site of Kosten Kamak in Koilov Dol Canyon – an impressive vertical cliff with an imposing 30-meter high waterfall.

We challenge you to…

…try the famous specialty from the Rhodope Mountains – patatnik (potatoes with eggs, cheese and spices cooked over a slow fire).

Landscape from the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Useful information:

You can get to the village of Orehovo by car following a paved road through Plovdiv, Asenovgrad and Hvoyna. The village is 60 km from Plovdiv and 54 km from Smolyan (where you can visit the amazing Canyon of Waterfalls). Orehovo offers more than 100 wonderful guesthouses with nice hosts.

Discover more stunning and unusual places in Bulgaria.

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Origin of the name

In Bulgarian, Koncheto means “the Little Horse”. According to a mountain story, the ridge was given this name because before the metal support rope was installed in 1963, inexperienced tourists crossed the ridge by straddling it like a horse and crawling. Is it really so scary? Take the appropriate equipment, some food and water and see for yourself.

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What you will see at Koncheto

Koncheto sits at an altitude of 2800 m in the Pirin Mountains and connects the peaks of Kutelo and Suhodol. On the very edge there is a metal rope to keep you safe. At its narrowest points, the ridge is only 40 cm wide, with steep rocks on both sides. It’s useful to know that the weather here changes quickly; often it is sunny on one side of Koncheto while the other is shrouded in fog.

Wild flowers in Pirin Mountains | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

From Vihren mountain hut to Koncheto

A good starting point to Koncheto is Vihren mountain hut, accessible by car on a paved road 12 km from Bansko. On the way to Koncheto you can climb Mt Vihren (the highest peak in Pirin, at 2914 m), or pass along the foot of the mountain and climb it on the way back. It will take you at least 4 hours from Vihren hut to Koncheto if you climb Vihren (8 hours for the whole day). The trail from Vihren hut through Mt Vihren to Koncheto is marked with red. If you decide not to climb Mt Vihren (just so you know, the view is worth it!), take the only fork in the trail to the right following the green signs to Koncheto. The climb is difficult along both trails and the change in altitude is significant (about 1,000 m)

This route starts from Vihren mountain hut, but you can also start from Yavorov hut (5 hours one way). 

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information

In June and August hundreds of people pass along the ridge, so be careful and patient. Keep in mind that you are in the mountains – wear comfortable clothes and bring trekking poles. In windy weather, it’s good to have a seat to attach to the metal rope. Remember, the ridge is dangerous in wet weather! If you aren’t sure of your own strength and skills, hire a mountain guide. 

Discover more fun travel ideas and challenges in Bulgaria!

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What is his secret to a happy life, what is the best way to slow down and enjoy it and what are his best tips on exploring nature on foot – here is what Jeffrey Ryan shared in a special interview for 203challenges.com.

– Who is Jeffrey Ryan, and what are his dreams?

– I am a writer, hiker, historian, public speaker and photographer. My secret blend of rocket fuel is one part nature and one part inquisitiveness. I am happiest traveling trails and backroads in search of whatever is around the next bend.
I most enjoy slowing life down to about 2 miles per hour, hiking on a trail in the wilderness where I can rejuvenate. My experiences, now covering thousands of miles, have been so meaningful to me that I write books about them. More than anything, I hope to inspire others to set technology aside for a while and discover the joys of being in nature.

View from summit of Mount St. Helens. ©2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com

– What’s the most important thing hiking gives you?

– Hiking gives me the opportunity to engage so many aspects of my mind and body. I guess the best way to describe it is that it makes me feel complete.

One of the greatest things hiking has taught me is that you need to be able to plan ahead, yet you need to be nimble. For example, you may plan your whole trip on doing a certain number of miles per day, but the weather may require you to change plans. Or you may need to take a longer side trip to find water than you had planned. These things require you to problem solve on the fly and to be content with the decisions you made.

It’s a great skill to have whether you are in the mountains, sitting at a desk or anywhere really. When I revisit things that made me frustrated, I often find out that it was because I was trying to hold onto a pre-conceived plan. The sooner I realize that all plans are subject to change, the better my experiences become.

View from summit of Mount St. Helens. Mount Rainier can be seen in the center, beyond Spirit Lake. ©2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com.

– Can you tell us a story that is a living example of your hiking style?

– My hiking companion, Wayne, and I did a trip on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. When we arrived at my truck, which had been parked on a remote woods road for ten days, it wouldn’t start. Further investigation showed that a porcupine had spent several days in my engine compartment and eaten most of the rubber hoses — radiator hoses, the brake line, the gas line, etc. While we were not still on the trail per se, we still employed the trail mentality. We were in a jam and needed to fix it to complete our trip. It was the need to be nimble in action. I write about it in my first book, Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year hike on America’s trail.

Come to think of it, that whole book really exemplifies my hiking style. Wayne and I couldn’t take the several months off from work necessary to hike to Appalachian Trail in one go, so we poked away at it in smaller trips. It took almost three decades to cover the 2,100 miles, but we got it done. It was one of the most fulfilling adventures of my life.

– What is the one thing that you never travel without and why?

– Hiking poles. I don’t know what my knees would be like without them. They take the strain off my knees on downhills and make stream crossings easier. As an added bonus, I just got a solo tent that allows me to use my hiking poles instead of tent poles. I can leave the tent poles at home and save pack weight.

Two other things I bring along are a travel pack of baby wipes (towelettes). I put used ones in a zip-seal plastic bag that I carry out of the wilderness to dispose of properly. One more thing: I also always carry a paper map. You can’t always count on your smartphone GPS. (O.K. That’s three things, but they are all things I don’t travel without.)

– Your latest book, Blast: My Return to Mount Saint Helens, is about Mount St. Helens after the volcano eruption in 1980. What makes this topic so important to you?

– Mount St. Helens erupted the day I graduated from college. I’ve felt a strong connection with the mountain ever since. In 1987, the first year people were allowed back on the mountain, I climbed up to witness the devastation the blast had caused. It was unbelievable. The earth had been violently torn open, then doused in dozens of feet of ash. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing there with ash swirling at my feet and rock slides spilling down into the crater wondering how many years it would take for the area to show signs of life.

Mount St. Helens eruption. May 18, 1980. ©USGS

In the years since I climbed Mount St. Helens, I had taken on the 28-year hike of the Appalachian Trail and also written a book about how the AT was conceived and built. With all the focus on eastern U.S. hiking trails, I hadn’t thought about Mount St. Helens in quite a while.

In March, 2017, I happened to stumble upon a video featuring old hiking trips. It featured our Mount St. Helens climb. I suddenly realized that 30 years had passed. Before the day was over, I secured climbing permits and booked my flight for a September reunion with the mountain.

The comeback the mountain and her surroundings have made is remarkable. There is a lot to learn about resilience in the face of incomprehensible loss, and also about hope. Ten miles from the mountain’s summit, in a place where no living thing survived, herds of elk graze in mountain meadows, alpine flowers bloom and mountain goats roam the rocks. It’s an incredibly uplifting experience.

The mountain goats are back! ©2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com

– Many people enjoy hiking but are afraid of long distances. What would you tell them?

– Ease into it and be realistic. A long hike is really a bunch of small hikes strung together. If you haven’t spent a night in the backcountry, I suggest starting out with a loop hike (either going out and coming back to your vehicle via the same trail or using more than one trail that get you back to your starting point again). Choose a trip that lets you camp three or four miles from your starting point. The idea is to get used to your equipment and familiarize yourself with your routine. If you forget something, you will still be within easy striking distance of your car.

The biggest mistakes people make when starting out are bringing way too much gear or not being familiar with how their gear works. Regarding the latter, I strongly suggest setting up and taking down a new tent a few times before you leave home. There’s little worse than trying to figure out how to set up a tent in a rainstorm or in the dark. One other thing you should get used to using is your backcountry stove.

Mount St. Helens from the Mount Margaret Ridge. ©2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com

– What’s your next big challenge?

– My hiking buddy, Wayne, and I will be finishing another long distance trail (the New England National Scenic Trail) soon.

After that, I have several big goals in mind. One is to spend a few weeks on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1,000-miler that never leaves the state of Wisconsin. The other big trip is still taking shape. Stay tuned…

Young trees are growing in the midst of giants seared by the eruption almost 38 years ago. ©2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com

– Share something inspiring with everyone reading this interview!

– The greatest gift you can give yourself — and the people you love — is a mentally and physically healthy you. It doesn’t take much money to spend time outdoors, and even if did, the rewards would far outweigh the cost.

Go do it.

Featured image: Jeffrey Ryan stands on the Mount St. Helens summit ridge, thirty years after his first climb of the mountain. © 2018 www.JeffRyanAuthor.com

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>>> Discover more travel books and interviews with travel writers.

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