Hiking in the Dolomites

At my wife´s work once a year they organize a long-weekend hiking trip somewhere where its possible to get in 'couple' of hours (first year we moved over to UK they came over and we hiked in Peak District). Well, Why do I mention this? I get to tag along :))

This time it was 15 of us in the group ready to hike for 4 days the awesome Dolomites.

It was the second week in September and it still pretty warm considering that most of our time was spent between 2000 - 3200 m. The nights were cold with temperature just below zero, and at higher grounds even some snow. It didn't actually effect us as we were staying at the cabins.
Day One started with an 6 o'clock flight from Stockholm to Innsbruck. Finally in St.Ulrich a cable lift took us up to the mountain range and what a breathtaking views were waiting for us up there.
Unknowingly we had a 6-7 hour of hiking in front of us and at this altitude everything get a bit tougher, although the weather and the amazing scenery kept the spirits up (might have been the sweets and the energy bars too :) ).
Once we arrived, starving and a bit chilled, the amazing Italian dinner was served with a side of crisp beer. It didn't take many minutes before most of us crawled to the bed in order to rest the sore legs and recharge for the days to come.
The following days the hike just got tougher with steep climbs and sections of Via Ferrata, and on top of that the even higher altitudes. Even if this could easily broken anybodies spirit, the company and the weather kept us going with amazing attitudes and lots of encouragement to each-other.
The food and drinks, a mix of Italian, German and Austrian, just added to the energy needed for the rigours awaiting :))
What an amazing Adventure!
                                                                                               

                                                                                           

Tatra mountain hike, Zakopane, Polen

Almost straight from Sarek we were off to Zakopane in Polen. Of course for more hiking.
As you might remember we have been in Zakopane earlier, a wedding around a year back. As we at that time didnt have time for hiking it was decided to that we were just had to come back. The mountain range there is called Tatra and is quite similar to the Alps. The highest peak in Polen is Rysy with 2499m although in the whole range the highest is Gerlach in Slovakia with its 2655m.
We spent 4 days hiking. As its a National park wild camping is not allowed so we only did day trips setting of from Zakopane. It is of course possible to stay in the park but then in huts.
We climbed few high peaks, but also did some hiking in the valleys and woodlands. In some of the valleys it was possible to go through caves which is lots of fun and gives that extra adrenalin kick :)
I must admit that Tatras delivered! They were impressive and the hikes can be made rather tough as the range is rather steep. One thing I didn't like was the crowds of people. Didn't really feel that we were in the wild. Some of the peaks are so popular that you have to stand in line for hours just to get to the top.
Anyhow, after a whole day of hiking we would choose a restaurant in Zakopane and spend the evening resting and refuelling. The food and drinks (beer) were just amazing. The list can be made long; Golonka, lamb, mutton, fish, sausage, cheese and many many more :) 
Just tasty and really cheep (especially for Swedes :) )

Thanks Krystian and Kasia for the company ;)

More adventures to come ...