Way up

Route “Over the Sea” Crimea, May 1-6, 2013.

I didn’t expect SUCH difficulties, but the aftertaste is still pleasant. I became stronger, more resilient, looked at myself from the outside, overestimated relationships with people who were not strangers to me (my boyfriend and girlfriend went with me). After finishing, I was exhausted but inspired. I think that this will not be my last hike, I just need to get in good physical shape so that I can look around and not at my feet :)

Day 0. One day before the start of the hike

It was not difficult to gather according to the pre-compiled list - the whole process took a couple of hours (and two months of gradual purchase of the necessary equipment and things). I’m never a tourist at all, this is my first time, so my report will be useful to people with the same experience :)

Looking ahead, I’ll tell you about three necessities during a hike that really helped me out (or could have helped me out - see the last point):

• Shoes. For me these were Merrell running sneakers, bought the day before departure, i.e. not worn out. Fortunately, during the 6 days of the hike, my legs didn’t get sore and I didn’t feel any discomfort. But it’s probably better to focus on something with a more serious sole - on the descents I simply slipped in places. The guys in trekking boots did not experience such problems.
• Trekking poles. My support and joy! My level of physical fitness left much to be desired, so I purchased this artifact (before that, I thought for a long time about the advisability of such an investment). I don’t regret it at all! They help a lot on descents and ascents; on a flat surface they take some of the load off the back and shoulders.
• Light backpack. Those who read me, I’m turning to you! Take a MINIMUM amount of stuff! As far as possible!

So, things were collected and even loaded onto the train heading to Simferopol. On the platform there is an abundance of large backpacks and groups of tourists with bicycles. Let's go to Crimea!

Day 1. Difficulties begin and are not going to end :)

At the station we easily found our group. We checked in with the conductor, signed a safety leaflet and ran to replenish our water supplies. When everyone had gathered, we collectively loaded our backpacks and wandered off to get food. I got a supply of ketchup, sugar and bread.

The walking route started from the Yalta Zoo. As it turned out, my backpack was incorrectly assembled, unadjusted, and generally too heavy to lift. The thought crept in: “I want to go home.” But I stubbornly moved my feet and puffed, trying to keep up and disengage from this ill-fated backpack. Whether it was long or short, we reached our lunch spot – the Uchan-Su waterfall.

During lunch, an acquaintance took place - everyone said their name and city. Representatives of Feodosia (conductor), Kyiv, Moscow and Voronezh sat hand in hand around canned food, bread, cheese-sausages and Chaika chocolates.

But, not having time to enjoy the murmur of water and the grateful rumbling of our stomachs, we continued the route.

Nature delighted and surprised. But the fatigue did not go away either. Such mixed feelings.

And here is part of our group against the backdrop of Yalta. Exciting, right?

It was starting to get dark, and we tried to quickly get to our overnight spot. But a group of tourists (and more than one) was already waiting for us there. Because We didn’t have to choose, we occupied the free islands right on the waterfall!

The girls ran in groups to wash naked) The first dinner was divinely delicious vermicelli :) We couldn’t sit by the fire - everyone was very tired, so after tea they scattered to the tents. And some with a guide went to admire the view of Yalta at night.

Day 2. Taraktash trail – now I shudder at this phrase)

In the morning there were no signs of trouble. Slowly getting ready for sleepy tourists.

And again: backpack, poles, endless climb. To say that it was very difficult for me is the same as remaining silent. It cut my calves like a knife. First tears :)

And then - after a couple of hours - Ai-Petri!

After a short break in a picturesque clearing, we continue to follow the route. First meeting with the forester.

And we are getting higher and higher.

Let's check the map.

We continue moving.

There's a lot to see.

Day 3. We begin to get used to the loads and regime)

This is my morning, be envious.

Through the forests, through the fields. Often there are groups of tourists interrogating our guide about where to go. My arms were already quite burnt, so I had to wear a long-sleeve sweater.

In the evening, three from Voronezh separated from us - they could not cope with the load. They returned the food to us (we had to re-distribute the food among themselves), and they themselves set off along the Devil’s Forest towards civilization.

After dinner by the fire, we talked for a long time, played “Danetki” and “Contact”, and felt some kind of cohesion. The first night after the start of the hike, I slept like the dead.

Day 4. Asphalt and rocks

We will walk along the highway and look at the Foros Church, approach the Baydar Gate and one of the most difficult moments will begin - climbing the rock. I'll start crying again from stress :)

Then a steep descent along a clearing, several falls - and we are at the Laspi parking lot. We arrived early - around 4 pm and we had the whole evening ahead of us. Everyone immediately got down to business - some were laying out the tent, some were washing and washing, some were cooking, and some were simply relaxing.

Traditional gatherings around the fire.

Day 5. To the sea!

In the morning, cows made their way into the parking lot and merciful tourists fed them porridge and pasta.

We got ready and went. Fog in the mountains is very beautiful.

Descents and ascents, descents and ascents. It's the mountains, baby!

By the way, today is Easter. And many tourists replaced “good afternoon” with “Christ is risen!”

The fog is gradually dissipating - and this is good, because our path lies down. And here is the famous Lost World behind me.

The views are one more beautiful than the other.

And already so close to the sea!

A very difficult and grueling descent. I don’t cry anymore – I’m getting used to difficulties. We are on Inzhir beach, there is a cultural site - pallets for tents, tables with benches, toilets, shops with kvass and beer and a lot of tourists. The sun is already hiding, but I’m so dirty, hot and exhausted that I can’t help but plunge into the sea in order to put a logical end to this day and feel like a human being.

We sat around the fire until one in the morning - it turned out to be a soulful evening. Tomorrow - on the train and home!

Day 6.Last

We woke up later than usual, instead of the traditional breakfast we ate some tasty treats and drank tea with local thyme. We collected our things and went down to the beach to wait for the boat that would take us to Balaklava. Half an hour's journey between the majestic mountains and we are there.

Here everyone's paths split. We went to Sevastopol - we have a train in the evening, but we really wanted to have time to visit Chersonesos.

That's all... Let's run to the station. Kyiv, meet me!

I slept for 12 hours on the train - all night I dreamed that I was sliding off the cliffs :)

Resume

I didn’t expect SUCH difficulties, but the aftertaste is still pleasant. I became stronger, more resilient, looked at myself from the outside, overestimated relationships with people who were not strangers to me (my boyfriend and girlfriend went with me). After finishing, I was exhausted but inspired. I think that this will not be my last hike, I just need to get in good physical shape so that I can look around and not at my feet :)