No need to relax

Review of the hike “Over the Sea” Crimea, 4.08-9.08 2013.

So our journey has ended: finally we are in Balaklava Bay! We are happy because all the hours-long treks, exhausting climbs and equally difficult descents are behind us. You can already relax, take a normal civilized shower and stretch your legs on a soft bed. But on the other hand, my soul is somehow sad. We have to say goodbye to people with whom we have become friends, to fresh mountain air, spring water and beautiful landscapes.

The “Over the Sea” route will make you sweat, no doubt about it. Especially on the first day, when you need to gain a decent height while climbing Ai-Petri. Further – it’s easier. But, as our instructor Sasha Arkhipov told us: “There is no need to relax.” Our first crossing was also complicated by the fact that we had to catch up a fair distance. Due to the delay of trains at the station, the group took a very long time to gather, and we arrived at the place in the evening and almost immediately set up camp in a beautiful place near the Wuchangsu waterfall.

The first transition was like a nightmare: it took quite a long time to climb the mountain, but how nice it was to be at the top! And then, according to the plan, we would have set up camp and rested, but no. I had to stomp for another whole day for the reason described above. But, despite the fact that it was hard, I liked it. What we came for is what we got.

I don’t want to keep a chronology of our hike; everything is perfectly described in the description. So I'm just sharing my impressions. All subsequent transitions turned out to be much easier, but again I repeat - “no need to relax”))). I really liked how sometimes the fairly similar landscapes around suddenly suddenly gave way to breathtaking views when we unexpectedly found ourselves very close to the edge of the mountain right above the cliff.

As you gain altitude, overnight stays in the mountains are quite cold, so don’t neglect sleeping bags and warm clothes. The first couple of nights we had to wrap ourselves in everything we had with us. In the second half of the hike, the nights were noticeably warmer, and sleeping became much more comfortable, since there were a few extra things that could be put under my head.

I was very pleased with the opportunity to wash myself thoroughly, which arose somewhere in the middle of the hike, when almost immediately outside the Baydar Gate we came out to the lake. The lake turned out to be quite clean, and swimming was very pleasant.

Our last transition was not easy. However, I liked it more than others, as it was the most interesting and picturesque. Particularly the part of the journey that ran along a narrow path that ran along the very edge of the cliff directly above the sea.

In general, I can say that the route is not easy, but you should not be afraid. As for me, it will be interesting both to people with good physical fitness, like the author of this review and her companion, while remaining feasible for those who do not have it. To prove my words, I will write that a family went on a hike with us, including a 5-year-old girl. Of course, it was hard for her, and they were forced to get off somewhere in the middle of the distance, when we entered the highway near the Foros Monastery. However, this girl held out her part of the hike extremely courageously, walking (!) almost the entire distance herself.

Separately, I would like to note the merits of our instructor, guide and, I hope, new friend Sasha Arkhipov. Traveling with him was easy and pleasant. This man guided us, took care of us, prepared food, distracted us and entertained us with fascinating stories about the mountains and much more. And patiently answered all questions. Especially “how much longer do we have to go?”))). In general, with him “both through fire and water.”

As for me, a hike is an ideal vacation for us, city dwellers. I have long intended to try my hand at such an event with tents, a fire and all the accompanying things. And, as soon as the opportunity arose, she fulfilled her old dream. Having gained invaluable experience hiking in Crimea, we do not intend to stop there, and are already saving money for the next outing. I hope this will be a trip to Turkey, of course, with the Outdoor Ukraine company, which has proven itself to be an excellent organizer, and its wonderful instructor Sasha Arkhipov.

So it’s enough to surf the Internet! You have already found exactly what you need. Trust Outdoor Ukraine and you will never regret it. Pack the essentials and feel free to hit the road. See you in the mountains!