Summit Day...almost: didn't want to find out why the mountains are accursed

The plan for today was to summit Maja Jezerca, which we almost did. But, we didn't want to find out why the mountains are accursed so we turned around when it got dicey. This hike was packed with challenges from only "traces of a trail," to significant mileage, to lots of elevation gain, to exposure to death cliffs, to lots of snow fields, to lots of loose rock, etc. Just imagine hiking on marbles, without much of a trail, next to death cliffs and looking at very intimidating mountains. We called it about 0.5 miles from the summit when we didn't like the look of crossing a "no fall zone" snow field without spikes or ice axes. I was quite nervous for much of the hike (you would have been too if you had seen where we hiked), so there was almost a sense of relief rather than a disappointment to turn around. We still managed to hike 13 miles and 5000+ feet of elevation gain of tough hiking.
Our morning began with seeing the sun's rays kiss the summits of the mountains surrounding us. Our guesthouse packed us a breakfast and lunch (hard boiled eggs, bread, whole tomatoes, whole cucumbers, feta cheese, apples, and 1 baby hotdog each). We were not quite sure how this was going to be our hiking lunch as it certainly was not light, but we figured that we would manage.


There was a long road walk where a few vans filled with lots of hikers passed us - maybe we didn't get the parking area quite right, but we parked where our guest house owners told us to.












The trail was really steep at points. Sometimes we needed 4 wheel drive.





One of many snowfields along the way 

Looking at the direction we think we are heading, but can't quite figure out where the trail might take us where we won't die.

An interesting natural bridge with death cliffs on either side.



Trying to slice my tomato.

Putting together the things that our guesthouse gave us for lunch. It ended up making a decent sandwich. Dan just ate everything separately.


Dan working his way around a steeper snow field on loose, slidey rocks.








There were so many beautiful alpine flowers along this hike.



It was a long, hot hike but so worth it. The views were absolutely incredible. These mountains are no joke. Over the next several days, we are going to get our biscuits kicked by them. 
We had dinner on the terrace of a small casual restaurant. Several times cows wandered into the dining area and were quickly shooed away by the owners. It was like the cows were just trying to see what they could get away with.




Comments

  1. Dee and Ken travels.....June 24, 2025 at 12:08 PM

    Your trip sounds wonderful with so many of the things we like to experience, with the exception of, I think I might die canyon trips and the freezing cold water. Have fun, be safe (I know, doesn't make sense with you two)
    XOXO

    ReplyDelete

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