The route in which Crimea conquers you forever

Emotional review of the “Water and Stones” hike from July 12 to July 17, 2011.
To be honest, I couldn’t write my review about the “Water and Stones” tourist route for quite a long time. I just couldn’t give the most accurate verbal form to my feelings and emotions that this extraordinary route gave me (and, of course, not me alone).

I don’t think it’s worth saying a lot of words about the route - everyone who decides to take it will find out everything themselves, see, experience, feel, understand... I don’t want to deprive people of the secrets and, so to speak, zest)) of this route of the hike. I’ll just tell you about some of my emotions (out of the million emotions that appeared in me in those days, you can’t convey everything). But believe me, this is not easy. Crimea reveals itself to be too stunning during this trip – words, as they say, really cannot be conveyed... But I’ll try a little.

The very first thing I want to say is that anyone can do this hike! The main thing in it is not physical strength and preparation, but strength of spirit, attitude, and the desire to follow the planned path. You just need to relax and have fun. Relax, of course, mentally and spiritually, since physically relaxing will not be easy.

A little bit of emotion

The hike leaves the brightest and most joyful impressions and memories! The most beautiful! At the same time, they are not overshadowed by cold, fog, humidity, mosquitoes, wind - NOTHING! This hike is completely positive! Why? Because:

1. The hike brings together incredibly wonderful, cheerful, sincere, sympathetic, interesting people who will not let you get bored, sad and cold)).

2. Incredibly beautiful and spectacular views - like a drug: you forget about everything: pain in the joints, some sprains, fatigue, cold... You really, really forget! You seize every minute of enjoying the beauty of the majestic and hospitable Crimea, which along this route is incredibly generous with beautiful views: mountains, hills large and small, picturesque paths, multi-colored lakes, fancy stones, green dense cool forests and even from the mountains there is just an incredibly beautiful noooooo!

For 6 days you will definitely have an incredible opportunity to see how it descends to the ground: onto your head, into your hands and simply kiss the grass and flowers…. The sky in the mountains of Crimea is moving!!!!! Don't believe me? Go on this hike and see for yourself!!! When you see and feel the sky, it’s like you change! The catharsis is incredible! I want to jump, scream and confess my love to everyone)))) and how tired or cold it is when there is such a miracle around!

3. The instructor will never let you get bored! Taras was with us on the hike. This is an amazing person! Born for hiking and nature, so he will tell you about everything and everything that is in Crimea, which for him is like 5 fingers)) You will learn many legends, as well as a lot of new things about herbs, insects, plants and much more. In general, there will be no time and no reason to be bored.

A few tips.

About the cold. Any weather can happen on a hike. Moreover, in the mountains, as I understand, forecasts are generally a relative matter: sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s suddenly cold. So I advise you to definitely take a warm jacket and a windbreaker, and also put a towel close in case you have to dry off from sweat when, after a long climb, you find yourself sweaty on the mountain, and there is wind, heavy rain and rain (condensation) falling. A cap would also be a good idea, or even better a light hat in case of the same wind. It helped us a lot).

About miracle candies. Don't give up on them. During the hike)) they give strength and add to the mood;) as the correct song says: “It’s good to wander around the world with caramel on your cheek.”

About trekking poles. If you feel that you will need additional support in the mountains, you can also purchase sticks. But you can make them yourself: the hike is full of almost “trekking-legged” poles. Or you can... do without them. For example, they generally prevented my husband and me from walking and chafed our hands. And in general, it’s better to rely on yourself).

About the raincoat. A raincoat is a must! And not Chinese! But dense and normal! Because there are a lot of rosehip bushes and fir trees along the way. You can tear your Chinese raincoat in the first three drops of rain. And it will be a long time to walk in the rain. So spend time and money, but get this useful thing before your trip.

About clothes. It’s better to take a spare T-shirt and shorts or trousers so that you have something to change into at night or just when you’re already getting pretty dirty)). About shoes. It is better to wear sneakers when hiking. Better in tracking ones. Sandals (Outven sandals performed very well...) would also be good: you can change your shoes in them in the evening, while your sneakers are drying by the fire and on the paths, when the hike takes place on dry, fairly flat terrain. And it’s so inconvenient: pebbles fly in, your foot slips, and by the evening your feet will be dirty and like trash.

I don’t want to do advertising yet, but I really want to recommend Montra’s trekking shoes to everyone…. Whoever needs it will figure it out. In general, the sneakers from this company made the hike very easy for me and my friend. These are real mountain hiking crosses! I simply recommend it from the bottom of my heart!!!

About equipment. Of course, a two-layer tent is a must! In case of rain, a single layer will not help and you will ruin your entire vacation. The foam is also better than the standard one: two-layer and wide. A flashlight will come in handy. Mosquito spray for those sensitive to it. (although while you’re walking, they don’t bite much, and even more so around the fire) Sunscreen can only be useful for those with particularly fair skin. And if the hike takes place in the heat. It’s better not to risk it - take sunscreen) Of course, dishes, toilet paper, wet wipes (lots of wet wipes). Basic tablets.

About climbs. The player helps a lot on climbs. Mantras helped me a lot during long and steep climbs, rock friends During the hike, determine a convenient tactic for yourself and act according to it: for example, it was easier for me to quickly, having accumulated all my strength, climb to the top and rest there. For some, it’s easier to evenly distribute the rise and rest. Listen to yourself! And no one will rush you, push you or scold you there for any of your tactics;)

And one more thing: for example, sometimes I felt a little scared in some areas. It happened. But the main thing to remember here is: you can do anything. And tell yourself that you are not afraid. I personally realized that there should be no fear in the mountains. He only takes away strength. Just throw it back and go: forward, higher, further. Step by step. And as soon as you put aside fear, the right pebble and the right foot rest and the right path are found... In general, the one walking will master the road. Walking without fear ;)

One last little piece of advice. Don’t be afraid to go hiking. Especially this one. You won't regret it! Fall in love with Crimea forever... All of us who were on this hike are already drawn to the hike again... This route will certainly be of interest to both beginners and experienced ones  It is sooooo rich and varied! And most importantly, very harmonious, thoughtful and moderate in load. He is immoderate only in beauty!! :)

P.s. photos do not convey the fullness and grandeur of what appears before our eyes...