Neapol Day 3: Hiking Castello di Arienzo

Previous day was for Wojtek, this day was for me 🙂 Before we arrived to Neapol, I checked thoroughly the best hiking routes for families and this was one of them. And it was a real blast! Pretty close to our stay, just enough demanding, completely stranded… The weather was amazing, I didn’t expect such heat in April even in Italy. And the views were magnificent. See yourself.

I’m not going to lie – I know nothing about the castle we visited 🙂 There was a table somewhere down the path but it was all in Italian so no help for me. But it really didn’t matter. I was truly exhilirated by the surroundings and by the charm of the moment. Even the kids were way more better behaving than the previous day.

On our way back we made a stop in the shadow of a tree since Kamila decided to take a nap 🙂

But the day wasn’t over. As always, after coming back to the house we needed to go check out the running routes around. I thought it might be difficult to find a better circle than the last year (see here). But I was wrong. It was equally charming if not even better! I guess you’ll see more of the running photos in the next post, here is a teaser.

Neapol Day 2: Vesuvio and Herculanum

So how did it happen that we landed in Neapol? The story is simple, our 4-year-old son was fascinated with volcanos. He wanted to know everything about them, every day we had to read a book about volcanos, we would watch documentaries about volcanos etc. And when we sat down and thought where to go for holidays, we came up with a „volcano” idea pretty fast. There are two big ones in our vicinity – Etna and Vesuvio. There are no flight connections to Etna in May, so we didn’t have to think too long 🙂 And so, the day after our arrival, we set on a path for volcano adventure 🙂

Although it was not the best idea to start our stay with such a demanding day, we had no choice – Wojtek wouldn’t want to hear about any other options. In general, the road to Vesuvio crater is a hiking route. It can be longer or shorter (we chose the latter) but one needs to hike. On the way up we saw the remains of lava and recent fires that burst on the slopes – a truly interesting landscape. The day was very hot and children not so much cooperating but in the end we reached our destination – the heart of a volcano.

Wojtek was in heaven but for us it was also pretty cool. Only Kamila somehow decided not to cherish this longly awaited moment. Let’s forgive her, she’s not even two y.o. yet. From the top except for the great view inside the crater we had a nice sight on Neapol itself. Although… the smog over the city was impossible. I thought Poland was polluted but what I saw in Neapol was so far the greatest smog mist in my life 🙁

When we finished our geology trip we headed to Herculanum which in the past was flooded by mud when Vesuvio erupted. Now it’s a renowned archeological sight definately worth visiting.

After a pretty action-packed day we were happy to return to our countryside to breathe in fresh air, delight in sunset over fields and oranges and to indulge ourselves in peace and quiet!

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

Radków 2017 Day 1

During our first season of running we decided to try lots of different kinds of running. We signed for marathon in Poznań, I tried triathlon. Ania also insisted on trying mountain trail running. So we signed up for 24 km of Garmin Ultra Race Radków in September. We planned to have a few days trip to Góry Stołowe, hike a bit and run. But a few weeks before the event Ania decided that Kamila is still too small and taking her there and back just for a few days is not worth it, so I took my brother and Wojtek and we made some men road trip.

First day after arriving we went to see Błedne Skały, a labyrinth of old rock formation with narrow passages and hidden routes. Later that day we also visited Szczeliniec Wielki, the highest peak in this mountain range and Kudowa Zdrój one of local health resort.

In Kudowa Zdrój we found Old Toys Museum that was very interesting for as adults and educational for Wojtek.

Hiking: Chojnik Castle (627 m)

Having four kids around is challenging in mountains but we don’t give in 🙂 Another destination: Chojnik Castle. Not that much of a hike because only ~330m of elevation and 6km in all but hey – some of them kids don’t even walk yet so be understanding 🙂
It was a very nice hike, totally suitable for children. The views were great at the top although the hill is not particularly high. I think we will repeat this trip one day.

Bohemian Switzerland Day 4: Jetřichovické skály

How could we spend time in mountains without a full day of proper hiking? Impossible 🙂 So we took our two little ones and set out to see the walls of Jetrichovice. I chose the most popular route around and I wasn’t disappointed. Of course, there were quite many people, but all in all it was bearable and the route was very pleasant. We shortened the original distance we were supposed to do but it was still enough to see the spotlights of Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

The path (rather easy when it comes to technical grade) led through a series of little peaks / view points / towers. So there were: Marina Skala, Vilemina Stena, Rudolfuv Kamen and a couple of more. We didn’t reach Saustejn which is supposedly fun but with two little ones and my stomach starting aching (after surgery I shouldn’t be doing any sports in at least 3 months so I pushed it a little bit) we decided we had enough for the day.

What we both really liked about the Elbe Sandstone mountains is that they offer an Alpine-ish look. I mean that the rock formations scattered around make the area look rough – more like mountains rather than hills. Which is good and we enjoyed it. Of course, 700 m is not really an alpine elevation but as for such little mountains they offer very versatile surroundings.


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!

Bohemian Switzerland Day 1: Tiské stěny

The idea to visit Bohemian Switzerland conceived when I was still pregnant. The pregnancy didn’t go well and for the majority of it I had to stay home (or around) so I was really in the need of changing places when it was all over. Lots of people think it’s impossible or unwise to travel with infants. I’m not one of them and when it turned out that the weather this year couldn’t be better, we booked our stay. Bohemian Switzerland and its mountains are the closest mountains from us – ~3.5h drive. They’re built mainly from sandstone which makes them particularly pretty. They’re not very high, the highest summit in the region is over 700m above the sea level but thanks to the geology they make for great rocks to climb or hike… or simply visit and watch as the sandstone takes on all sorts of crooked and bizarre forms: holes, funnels, pillars – you name it.

On the first day of our 5-day trip we headed to Tisa, from where we hiked up to Tiské stěny (Tyssa Walls). It’s a complex of sandstone rocks that first grow in a forest and then stretch in an arc at the level of ~600m. The place is now a natural reserve which I can totally understand because it is simply an awesome place. Actually, I think it was the best day from the whole trip. The rock formations were truly remarkable and opened up countless possibilities for imagination when it comes to their interpretation. Is it a mushroom or an umbrella? A dwarf or a hag? A rabbit or a peacock? Of course, they have all been already interpreted and if you take a map from tickets office you’ll know the answer right away, but where’s the fun it?

The route was very pleasant. At first we went through rocks and woods (and when I say through rocks I really mean it – the path leads through the cracks in sandstone boulders). Then we got to a restaurant where we made a beer pause. <A side note: throughout the whole trip we made loads of beer pauses. Beer in Czech and Germany is always great!>  <Side note 2: I drank „ne alko” which was still great for me>. Then we moved to a return path that led on a ridge and gave us a beautiful view on Bohemian Switzerland valley.

Refuge de Tête Rousse (3167 m)

It’s official, we started preparations to Mont Blanc trip. The idea hatched for a long time but now it materialized and we’re very happy about this. My friend introduced us to Jacek who had the same dream and we started planning it together. So if everything goes well, next year we will set foot on the highest peak of Europe. Meanwhile… We’re doing preparations. We decided to follow the Mont Blanc route as far as possible without any special gear and got as high as  Refuge de Tête Rousse – the refuge we will be staying in during our next year trip. I’m so excited! Also, it’s symbolic. This will be our final hike in the area, we won’t have time for anything else, so we will close the season with  Tête Rousse, and open it the next year with the same route (only extended).

As you can see, we didn’t have inviting conditions, but we decided to give it a try anyway. We’re all experienced in mountains and Jacek is also a runner so we weren’t afraid of the challenges. We continued in a super fast pace (it was Jacek who led and he clearly was fitter than us – I guess running marathons gives you a good deal of stamina – I must try this!). So in nearly no time we reached Barrack Forrestiere from where it was already quite close to the refuge. And where the snow began.

We went past a couple of daredevils willing to claim Mont Blanc. Not the best idea taking into consideration that the Gouter Couloir was closed due to heavy rock falls and there have been a number of deaths recently. I guess some people can’t argue with their call for adventure. But that’s not us. We reached Tête Rousse, warmed up considerbaly there and went down to the base using the same route. Radek got stomach upset yet again so it was a bit of a challenge for him to get down but eventually he made it. We didn’t see Blanc that day, but we will see it next year! Au revoir!

Stats: max elevation: 3127m, Elevation gain: 1370m, Distance: 14,3km, Time: 6h 15min (+45 min break in the refuge).

Goodbye Jura

Finally, the heat is over! Isn’t that great news? Although, I must admit, the change is huge as in Jura it was around 4 dg. C today. Only 30 less than a couple of days ago 🙂 Anyway, not much time left for us so we’re saying farewell to Jura. It’s the chain that we saw every day from our windows, where Radek took his first ski lessons, where I made my first hiking trips back in 2010. We’re taking lots of memories with us. Jura, we will miss you greatly!