Radków 2017 Day 3

Third day was the day of the run. So after cheering me on start, Bartek and Wojtek went to Czech to see another rock labirynth often compared to some Lord Of The Rings locations. 

Meanwhile I was running through mountains. 24km with 750m vertical change. I must said that it was much more fun than running on flat. Beautiful views, changes in tempo and style, constant focus on difficult track and less pression for time. I really enjoyed it. Final time 2:49

Nightmare vacation - Rokytnice

We don't have luck with this area of the world. Last year when Radek went skiing in Harrachov he had to shorten his trip as I was admitted to hospital during my pregnancy with Kamila. But he got to know the area and we knew it was worth revisiting. So we did this year. It was a long-awaited trip for many reasons. Therefore you can imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be utter disaster!
What happened? The very first day we arrived Wojtek got severely ill. So I stayed with him and Kamila while Radek and my sister's family went skiing. This was the only day we saw the sun! The only day out of an almost week trip! Anyway, we managed to take a couple of photos that day. Have a look and I'll continue my story afterwards.

Skiing in Rokytnice:

My short walk around:

The next day wasn't particularly inviting for skiing but we decided to give it a try and it was a good idea because otherwise I wouldn't have touched the hills at all. The weather was bad, we had to ski in very difficult conditions (thick fog and very little visibility). It was the real fight for survival. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. Being able to spend time with my family, try and push my limits on the hills a bit... and a children-free morning - enough for me to appreciate it.

And a movie from that day:

After that day it was only worse. It wouldn't stop raining and one after another we got ill. I was by no means in the worst condition and I was unable to get up from the bed for like 2 days. My sister's husband was in a pretty bad shape too and when Radek started to fill a bit blue, we decided it was high time to go back to Szczecin. Did I mention it wouldn't stop raining? Anyway, although I do consider this as nightmare vacation, I do want to go back there the next year. In the end, I didn't get to hike those hills :)

Discovering in autumn

This autumn was a good one for us for many reasons. First of all, it was the first autumn of our little Kamila and she made it special for us. Secondly, we went to see Bohemian Switzerland and the weather was great! Also, I started jogging again and I walk with Kamila in the forest almost every day. So lots of time and possibilities for exploration of the beauty of this season.

Czech:

Walking/jogging in Szczecin:

Bohemian Switzerland Day 2: Pravčická brána and Soutěsky

The next day we headed to Pravčická brána - a rock forming an arc - or a gate as it is called. It's the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe and makes a great impression on every tourist. An XVIII century building is standing right next to it and adds a charm to the place. Except for the inn and the gate, the view around is spectacular. You can see the whole area together with the neighbouring rock formations. Tourists are not discouraged by the fact that you really need to hike to visit this place. There are various ways to reach Pravčická brána, we started from Hrensko, first by a road, then by a forest and up to the inn.

At the gate we made a longer pause (yep - beer pause but not only - you must eat knedliki when you are in Czech - you simply must do it!). Except for trying local cuisine, we also made a walk around as there are many walking paths that give view on the gate and around from different angles. The view was really great!

From there we headed to Soutěsky (a ravine). We were not sure if we would make it on time but decided to head forward and see what the day brings. The path continued through a forest and led to a little town (Luka) where we made an ice cream break (that was Wojtek's idea). Then we continued through yet another forest (this time flat) that seemed a bit fairy-like with its densely growing trees with naked chunks and lots of green moss. This forest smoothly turned into a ravine and by no means it was the most beautiful place of this sort I have ever seen. I know I sometimes fall into exaggeration but I swear it's not this time. And when I try to put in words what I saw I don't find anything that would give justice. I mean, there was nothing special - a stream, small rocks, moss, trees - you can find that in many places. But somehow it all added up and created a special mood of this place. Spectacular!

The route continued up to a place where there was no possibility to build a suspended path, nor to pass with dry feet. And that was another attraction of the place - a boat ride guided by a raftsman. It was great because we just sat down and admired the beauty of the surroundings while the guide told stories about the history of the place as well as gave us various interpretations of the rocks. I liked it a lot.

Oh yeah, I forgot - there was an artificial waterfall. Quite an oddity - won't you say? Anyway, I enjoyed this day a lot and I have to say, I was super surprised we managed to do this we 2 little children. Endomondo showed us the distance of 22 km. Of course, there's always some margin of error but still it's quite a walk. And our kids were so great it was a truly pleasant day!