Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Bansko, Pirin National Park
I had been yearning for adventure but hadn't planned meticulously, and yet things unfolded just as I wanted. At 8:30 AM, the little minibus departed from the square in Bansko, and I had to hurry to catch it. Grabbing water, sandwiches, a few energy bars, and a sweater, I rushed out the door. The last thing I heard from Bo was, "Don't forget sunscreen!" I replied with a quick "Got it!" as I closed the door, thinking, who really needs sunscreen anyway? I learnd the hard way that the sun hurts if you dont use sunscreen...
The bus ride to Vihren Hut cost 12 lev, around 60 Swedish kronor. The winding road up the mountain was enough to make anyone queasy if they weren't watching the road. The guy behind me, hungover and staring at everything but the road, silently vomited into a bag. After about 30 minutes, we arrived, and everyone tumbled out of the bus, dispersing in different directions for their planned hikes. Pirin National Park is a vast area offering everything from advanced climbing to less perilous trails and casual hikes.
I had decided to conquer Vihren, the highest peak, so I set my sights on the imposing mountain ahead. Ignoring signs and markers, which I would later regret, I began my hike. The weather was perfect—about 25 degrees with a clear blue sky. Passing Muratovo Lake, the terrain was still relatively flat and easy. It seemed like a simple trek.
After an hour, though, I was gasping for breath. My legs started to feel like lead, and I had to stop every 20 meters to rest. The higher I climbed, the more frequent my breaks became. What had looked like paths and small stones turned into difficult passages and enormous boulders. I encountered hikers of all ages, all appearing far more energetic than I felt. Everyone greeted me with a friendly "Zdraveĭte," and I responded in kind.
After four hours of hiking, I reached what could be described as a basecamp. Looking up, I realized I wasn’t on Vihren but on Muratovo Peak, standing at 2669 meters. It didn't matter—I was determined to reach the summit. I crawled the last 300 meters over rocks and boulders and finally made it to the top. Sitting down, I took in the breathtaking view of the mountain range, realizing I had accomplished something significant—my first summit.
I savored the moment, watching as those who had reached the peak before me began their descent. Eventually, I, too, started down. Climbing down proved to be more challenging than going up. Different muscles were required, and I quickly felt drained of energy. Despite frequent breaks, my body screamed for relief, making the final stretch feel like a marathon. My feet ached, and my legs could barely support me. The adrenaline kept me going until I finally reached Vihren Hut, where I collapsed on a rock, unable to move for an hour.
Just 20 meters from food and drink, I had to muster the last ounce of energy to reach the restaurant. Barely able to speak, I managed to order a plate of chips and a beer. Never had a beer tasted so good, and the simple chips felt like a heavenly feast. I rested there for an hour, watching other hikers and climbers arrive. One young woman, covered in blood and bandages, seemed cheerful despite her injuries from a fall.
The bus ride back down the winding road to Bansko was a blur, and soon I was back where I had started that morning. I shuffled through the town towards Drama Street and our studio apartment. Once inside, I collapsed on the couch, utterly exhausted. The following days were tough, my body aching and needing rest and recovery. Yet, the climb had given me the courage to face my next challenge: summiting Vihren Mountain.
This adventure taught me the value of perseverance and the thrill of conquering new heights, both literally and figuratively. Here's to more mountains and the stories they bring.
Chris......
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