A trip with the incredible

by Malgorzata Knight (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find Poland

Poland can boast about a few mountain ranges. They are all different with their own peaks and offering different types of experiences. But one is a very special one... It has always been popular among hippies and certain type of people and circles; those who search for answers in life. I went there over 20 years ago, but I also revisited that area a few months ago and that was something I would never forget. Michal and I set off on a November day for at least a six-hour-journey by car, equipped with food, drinks, camera and camcorder for making films. We thought we would get to our destination late at night, but we didn't - we took a room in a hotel about 150 km away from where we wanted to get to, which turned out to be a very good choice! We spent a lovely evening there... The next morning welcomed us with November sunshine. After a chat with the receptionist and a nice strong coffee, we set off. The views outside started changing and we started seeing more and more mountains and breathing different air. We stopped at an abandoned car park (probably very busy in summertime), where we had coffee, made on a portable gas cooker that Michal takes everywhere with him. Abandoned car park? No fees, no noise. Very few people - enthusiasts like us - we started realising we were in for a treat. It was time when there were hardly any tourists, so we were spoilt for choice when it came to hotels or other places book a room at. We decided on the PTTK Hotel, where time stopped in the 70s. The most atmospheric, with a few experiences at climbing guests (mainly couples) and a barman, who we made friends with after the first few words when I ordered drinks. Another day or two and we would have moved in, thanks to him. I must mention the quality of the food - the most delicious you can think of and there was even a lot of choice for me. As I don't eat meat, the choice can be limited in certain countries... The following day we decided to climb the peak of Bieszczady, called Tarnica. As it was meant to be a slow and relaxing enough day, we didn't start our walk until midday. Most of the few tourists we came across, were actually coming back from the top whereas we were climbing up (as the only ones). I wanted to stop after a few dozens of meters as my fitness levels were not coping with the challenge. I don't know how Michal must have felt as he was carrying the portable gas cooker - he had this idea in his head we need to have a cup of coffee at the top. How very romantic it was! When I later on lifted his rucksack, I was absolutely shocked. It was so heavy. I told him not to ever carry this cooker again. We can have coffee in a flask. I really wanted to give up and turn back and not to feel the pain in my legs, thighs and hips. Michal was brilliant the way he was motivating me and more or less half the way up the mountain, something switched in me and although I was still in a lot of pain, I found this strength and determination, and motivation that pulled me like a string. It was like a surge of power that kept on giving me the energy and made me forget that the bottom half of my body was just sore. The higher we were, the more stunning the views were becoming. The silence was wonderful and the light unusual. Dusk... my favourite type of light. The photos we took that day... The conversations we had... The memories we made... The films we recorded... The strength I didn't expect to find in myself. As you may have guessed by now, the last hour were coning down Tarnica in a complete darkness... Exhilarated, happy, satisfied and very sore, but I would do that again and again.