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This report is about the tour: Romantic collection
Route “Romantic Collection” Crimea, May 01-09, 2013.
This was my second trip with OutdoorUkraine and, I hope, not the last. Every day was so full of events and impressions that, alas, I couldn’t create a coherent narrative with a detailed description of all the places (and everything is described in detail on the website!). Therefore, I propose this “mosaic”.
Why OutdoorUkraine?
Mountains have fascinated me since childhood. But it was not possible to visit there very often. And to go on a hike... Firstly, there is no one with whom: vacations with friends are usually at different times, objections like “it’s better to lie on the beach”, “hiking is cool, but only with your own company, and not with strangers.” Secondly, I have poor physical fitness. Thirdly, lack of equipment. Therefore, the OutdoorUkraine website has become a real find for me: you don’t need to gather a group for a hike, there is an experienced and caring instructor who will take you where you need to go and help if something happens, and you can rent equipment, and choose suitable dates. When I finally decided to submit my application, I immediately received a questionnaire, and then a letter with detailed instructions. Communication by e-mail was maintained constantly, Kirill called and clarified the necessary questions. There were no problems meeting me at the station either (although my train was late!). In general, thank you, OutdoorUkraine, for existing!
Which hike to choose?
Probably, the choice of route is very individual. For me, the ideal option is a 9-day trip, when on the last day the soul still wants to continue, and my legs are already slightly giving way. Last year's hike “Water and Stones XL” can be characterized by the phrase “see everything!” This year the “Romantic Collection” hike was more measured, we had more rest, water and firewood were in abundance. Which one did you like better? Both!
Hiking everyday life
So, the Romantic Collection campaign began. Our group took a minibus to the village of Polyana, we checked our water supplies again, and hit the road. Somewhere in the distance, behind the forest, we could see the outlines of rocks, where, according to the instructor, we were supposed to reach in the evening. The first day, to be honest, was quite boring. Monotonous deciduous forest, a thick layer of dry foliage, along which your feet sometimes slide and sometimes fall through, here and there there is dead wood and the absence of paths. In general, the pleasure is not for everyone, who would describe it like this: “Endless centuries-old forest, breathing coolness; rays of the sun piercing the thick green canopy; a soft carpet of leaves in which your feet literally sink, and the chirping of birds everywhere.” Yes, all this happened, but everyone has their own favorite places, their own purpose of the trip... On the first day, my goal was to quickly reach the spring and settle down for the night.
We set up our tents already at dusk, and while I was busy setting up my “dwelling,” the other participants managed to light a fire, bring water and start preparing dinner. It was a noble Ukrainian borscht, not with some store-bought dressing, but with fresh beets and fried real vegetables! When camping, such an everyday dish seems like magic! (Or maybe the cooks were like that?) After dinner, I went to bed early, anticipating the difficulties of the next day.
On the second day, I got up earlier than everyone else and went to look for a stream (I didn’t want to go down there with an instructor in the evening in the dark). Crimean streams and springs are amazing. Next to them you feel joy and calmness. What amazes me is that you CAN DRINK this water! Tasty, transparent, not yet poisoned, like in most rivers and lakes of Ukraine!.. Then, for the first time in my life, I managed to make a fire from yesterday’s coals. Life took on new colors!
We emerged from the forest onto Barskaya Polyana, just below which was the long-awaited observation deck. Here they are, the mountains, in all their glory! It is not us who conquer their peaks, it is they who conquer our hearts forever!
Leaving our backpacks in the clearing, we went to the Danilcha-Koba cave, where delicious cool water drips directly from the ceiling, and a spreading yew grows above the entrance to the cave.
By lunchtime our group came to the Silver Streams waterfall. A very beautiful place, but there are crowds of tourists around! The polite and friendly Tatar at the table was selling for a less friendly price - 5 UAH. for a glass - tea from a samovar. We “supported local small businesses” and moved on.
We spent the night in a fabulous place: to the left and right of the tents there were streams (or small rivers?), around and in the bed of which there were mossy stones of emerald color. Those who wanted to did so managed to go for a swim in the evening, but I decided to take some rest.
The third day was the hardest for me, and for unknown reasons. Every now and then I fell behind the group, and one of my comrades had to wait for me or come back for me. But I do not agree with the description on the website that the road to the Ai-Petri plateau is boring and monotonous. The landscape is simply amazing: the bright greenery of the hills, groups of Crimean pines and birches scattered along the slopes. And, despite the fatigue, the desire to continue the hike only increased.
The oriental bazaar on Ai-Petri, which we visited on the fourth day, of course, cannot be compared in beauty with natural attractions, but the “civilized” relaxation in the cafe was a pleasant change. However, no one wanted to stay here for long, because ahead were mountain paths, picturesque cliffs, the intoxicating smell of thyme and wild peonies.
The Besh-Tekne basin is remembered for cozy gatherings around the fire and songs performed by solo and choral singers.
The further road to the sea surprised with flowers and clouds that descended every now and then, enveloping the surroundings with a light cool haze.
Once, when we spent the night in the forest again, the instructor in the morning suggested we go to Mount Ilyas, from where a beautiful view opens up. But the next day it was cloudy again, and as a result, only three “optimists” went to the mountain. The sun still took pity on us, and we were able to admire the “Temple of the Sun” and the sea.
Our hike ended near Cape Aya and Golden Beach. On the penultimate day of the trip, it was decided not to go anywhere and devote free time to swimming in the sea. Junipers, pine trees, a “wall” of mountains just above the parking lot, which it seems you can touch with your hand, and below is an unusually blue sea with what look like toy boats.
I will also remember the wide “balcony” ledge above the cliff, where it’s so nice to admire the distant stars late in the evening!
We got to Balaklava by boat, so we got to Sevastopol quite early. The Hero City celebrated Victory Day, and after saying goodbye to the group, I walked for a long time along the streets and embankment, listening to military songs and ceremonial marches. In the evening there was a grandiose fireworks display over the sea, the reflections of which I admired through the window of the departing train.