aljazek - Recent messages

Here, after a long time (8 years) I'll write a description again. Without a car I've somewhat neglected the mountains (and missed them), so it was quite a surprise when I realized that quite a few trails to the Madrid mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama) start at the end station of the C8 railway line in the village Cercedilla. Of course the drop in temperature from August 39ºC to 18ºC in two days also contributed to the decision for the hike.

So, this morning my girlfriend and I took the train for a hike to the 1945m high La Peñota. Since the trail isn't well marked, the Wikiloc app worked great. First we climbed a nice forested path through pastures to Collado de los Amigos. Cool temperatures were perfect for gaining elevation meters all the way to the spring called Fuente del Astillero. At this spot the forest opened and a strong/cold wind woke us up nicely, while dark thick clouds rolled over the neighboring peaks. Then some wandering along the border between the autonomous regions Castilla y León and Madrid, all the way to both peaks of La Peñota. After chatting with other hikers and photo-snapping we returned to the valley via Collado del Rey. In about 4 hours of enjoying wonderful nature we hiked 12km and ascended 800m.

For my first solo hike I chose the above tour. Started on Wednesday below Rinka waterfall. With 15+ kg backpack climbed to Okrešelj and further to Savinja saddle. Descent to Kranjska hut, quenched thirst with water and to Czech hut. Put backpack in room, part of afternoon slept and spent in "exploring" and photographing hut surroundings.

On Thursday woke at 5, packed all stuff, filled fresh water and at 5:20 headed first to Jezerska Kočna. Scree took some will from me, which I got back on chains. At that overhang (or whatever it is) left backpack and with camera and diary quickly up to summit. Around eight stamped and down to junction to Grintovec. This ascent not so liked and summit looked quite gross (trash). Time was a bit over 9. Path over Dolgi hrbet very nice, on Štruca some chamois sunning and on Skuta around half past one. Since last peak, treated to longer rest and "sunning". Then descent and on scree below Skuta strayed off path. After Malih podih fog catches me and first a bit confused walking. Soon found mark and with map successfully to gully. From there just routine to Okrešelj, where beer and water quench thirst (yeah, 5l due strong sun soon "evaporated"). Whole trip ended at 17:20, 12 hours later than scree start below Kočna.

Since category title "Current conditions", comment that too: very dangerous snowfield between Kranjska hut and Czech hut, otherwise super path. In combination with heavy backpack tests you well psychologically and physically.

Thanks for description. Will add some of my pics.

Hey, Geppo's son here and Madrid local.
Near Madrid you have amazing mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama), easily accessible by public transport - train/bus takes you almost to the trail start. Ferratas practically none, just some simple ones if you google "Via Cuervo Madrid". If you rent a car, then in the "surroundings" (in Spain means up to 2h away) of Madrid there are quite a few ferratas routed through river valleys, especially towards Guadalajara or Cuenca. Sadly I'm not that drawn to ferratas and don't know them (lots of hits on Google), near Madrid I can suggest some more concrete trails though.

Yes, it was nice. Especially that part in photo 4 was very interesting to me.

On 30.6. I set off exactly at midnight to Ojstrica via Kopinškova (start: dom planincev). I had much bigger plans, but before Klemenča cave a big blister on my tendon betrayed me. I limped almost on one leg to the hut, somewhat alleviated the pain and shortened the route to just one peak (thus Ojstrica). With some pains I was at the summit at 2:30, where until sunrise on the ridge I counted shooting stars, observed satellites and of course waited for the sun. Ah, and don't forget that real silence which is nowhere anymore - ideal for meditation. Sometime after six in the morning I packed my things and descended via Škarje to the valley.

It was nice More was written by @geppo and @dprapr.

@otiv: sure, always start early (around 6:00) and then (also due to pace) reach summit 1-2h before others...so I have nearly two hours of complete silence, meditation, enjoying view, chasing choughs,... :-)

@CarpeDiem247: yes from parking under Rinka waterfall started. I don't actually run uphill, but constant pace regardless of gradient, no breaks needed.

@geppo: hehehehe :-)

Nice days in mountains to you...and safe steps!


Pics:
http://www.shrani.si/f/0/EZ/goz6IMO/img6280.jpg
http://www.shrani.si/f/1T/KT/26EBqpS8/img6284.jpg
http://www.shrani.si/f/1I/ku/1srSQ1RF/img6278.jpg

This morning I wasn't quite sure where I'd go, but in the end Skuta tempted me. I was a bit limited by time, so I preferred to meditate on the top rather than visit another neighboring peak. The weather was wonderful, from the parking under the waterfall to the summit good two hours, in the afternoon mists and clouds slowly started gathering, I would also like to thank two hikers who gave me time in the morning to tie my shoes :-)

Skuta is nice...

G. said he had a conversation partner on the path :-) The path is nice :-)

Of course, great tour, recommend! :-)

After a long time I took a short walk again and this time chose Mrzla gora. Due to bad afternoon forecast I was at the top already at half past seven, where I meditated for another hour and a half. Descended to Matkov kot and ran a few more km from Matkov kot to Logarska dolina, where transport picked me up at the junction. Path from Logarska is nicely marked, though sometimes I preferred the old one (very poorly visible marks). On the way to Matkov kot a wire rope is lying on the ground too, but not at key spot, no issues. From parking under waterfall to top 1.5h, same to parking in Matkov kot. Aja, on descent to latvice sometimes searched for path, faded marks and easy to stray to scree slabs or gullies. Nice tour that revived many memories.

Another picture: http://www.shrani.si/f/1b/tL/URoaQ3s/img6238.jpg

when the snow melts... only the casing will be usable :-)

Has anyone been in the Tschadova route on Ojstrica these days?

Well we wanted on Saturday Wisiakovo + Grapa behind Rdeči Kup, but trudging tired us quite a bit, and no visibility either, so we turned into wrong gully once. In the end we climbed Wisiakovo and 1/3 - 1/2 GzRK, but it wasn't exactly the nicest climbing pleasure, mainly trudging :-)

@JA: hehe, well I for example from Bosova shot Planjava and Wisiakovo gully, then at home drew the route and topo is done :-) then due to cloud couldn't see 20m, sketch wasn't needed either

bible not quite I'd say...cuz quite lacking in some things...can serve as list of all options, then google for better route descriptions :-)

Many thanks... I'll go running on Martinova in the afternoon. Have a nice day!