This report is about the tour: Northernmost Demerdzhi
Review of the winter hike in Crimea "The Northernmost Demerdzhi" January 3-5, 2009.
I'm new to hiking, especially in winter. I wasn’t anywhere, and then suddenly it caught fire. Of course, everyone dissuaded: “Where are you going - to certain death, try first in the summer, living in a tent in the winter, horror!” Mom certainly saw me at the bottom of the gorge with a broken head and other troubles. I was having a lot of fun with all this.
I quickly found who I wanted to go with – “Outdoor Ukraine.” A lot of information, the friendliness of the site, Kirill’s photo (you can’t go wrong with that), “I’ll be happy to answer any questions” - the choice was made.
There was enough time before the hike, winter equipment was agreed upon and checked, not a single question of mine, and there were enough of them, was left unanswered. I had to make some things myself, but this is even more interesting. How beautiful (and functional!) the shoe covers and self-release pants turned out to be! Oh, I was sure that I wouldn’t freeze in them! Therefore, I went on the hike completely calmly and had no intention of dying.
My first winter hike lasted only three days. Snow, frost (-16), beauty! Sometimes it’s difficult, but how inspiring! One after another, one after another, not to lag behind. The poles were very useful to me; walking was really easier. Nights in a tent are no big deal, I wasn’t alone. Three people in two sleeping bags – and it’s already hot. Plus tasty and nutritious food, a fire, the right equipment and no frost to worry about.
I admit, in addition to some risk, the winter hike also attracted me because the people there would be unusual, not random. It’s winter after all, and not everyone will decide to go. Thanks to everyone who was there, it was very, very pleasant and easy for me, I hope we will meet again.
I saw how beautiful winter Crimea is. And now I want to go again, in winter, while there are no crowds of tourists, while there is silence, while there is white, untrodden snow. And the Carpathians?.. Take me on a hike!
Tatarintseva Tatyana. Voronezh. January 2009.