Today we met our hosts bright and early for a trek up a mountain in their Krasnoyarsk Nature Preserve. I didn't know what to expect and was told it was a paved path the entire way up, as elderly and children walk up this summit on a regular basis. Boy, were they wrong. We spent 6 hours walking the most treacherous conditions, all up hill, in the mud, snow, wind, and cold. I would have liked to slow down and enjoy the beauty, but Russians walk fast - even going up mountains. There were many times during the trip I said I couldn't go any farther, I was done. Our host teacher encouraged me to keep going. Finally, when I thought we reached the top, we stopped for lunch. Instead of being over, our adventure had just begun.
After lunch, we took an off-road (off-path) hike over branches, mud, rocks, and three ft. deep of snow (in which I was wearing canvas tennis shoes), to reach some of the highest mountain peaks for better look-out locations. After much prodding, complaining, and bouts of quitting, I pushed myself to reach these peaks. However, I did have to refuse when climbing the peak. I made it to the rocky formation, but would not climb up. Heights are a new fear of mine, and heights in Russia are not exactly what I call safe. Those who climb Mount Stolby are known as "Stole-Beasts". Today, I'm an official stole-beast. Too bad they don't have t-shirts at the top that say, "I just climbed Mt. Stolby and all I got was this stupid shirt." That would have made the trip complete. I even contemplated the sight of a Yeti or a bear. I would have welcomed a Yeti as I kept saying at least he could give me a lift on his back down the mountain. ;)
Our trek down was much easier, but still not short. After six hours of soaking cold feet and aching legs, we made it back to the bottom. My shoes are ruined and my legs won't work, but at least I can say I conquered a mountain in Russia. Check that off my bucket list.
We then went to a ski resort for skiing and other various extreme sports. This was my favorite place as it was very modern and beautiful. I enjoyed watching the young teens make their way down the hill on their snowboards. We took one of the world's longest chair lifts up the mountain (the same mountain I just walked up - only on the other side). At the top, we found another look-out and in Russian fashion were invited to stop for tea. I found that Russians love tea and coffee breaks. They have them often. I'm really liking these, as they add natural lemon to their black tea. Amazing! Our chair lift ride was wonderful. Being my first chair lift experience up a mountain, I was totally afraid, but proud of myself for all that I have accomplished today.
I made some great friends on that mountain and found that Russian men are very chilverous toward women. I also realized that Russians will carry canteens of tea up a mountain, only to stop for a tea break at the top. How cool is that?!
I'm freezing cold, without function in my legs, but happy about my adventurous day. Now, no more mountain climbing and hikes for me in a long, long time.
After lunch, we took an off-road (off-path) hike over branches, mud, rocks, and three ft. deep of snow (in which I was wearing canvas tennis shoes), to reach some of the highest mountain peaks for better look-out locations. After much prodding, complaining, and bouts of quitting, I pushed myself to reach these peaks. However, I did have to refuse when climbing the peak. I made it to the rocky formation, but would not climb up. Heights are a new fear of mine, and heights in Russia are not exactly what I call safe. Those who climb Mount Stolby are known as "Stole-Beasts". Today, I'm an official stole-beast. Too bad they don't have t-shirts at the top that say, "I just climbed Mt. Stolby and all I got was this stupid shirt." That would have made the trip complete. I even contemplated the sight of a Yeti or a bear. I would have welcomed a Yeti as I kept saying at least he could give me a lift on his back down the mountain. ;)
Our trek down was much easier, but still not short. After six hours of soaking cold feet and aching legs, we made it back to the bottom. My shoes are ruined and my legs won't work, but at least I can say I conquered a mountain in Russia. Check that off my bucket list.
We then went to a ski resort for skiing and other various extreme sports. This was my favorite place as it was very modern and beautiful. I enjoyed watching the young teens make their way down the hill on their snowboards. We took one of the world's longest chair lifts up the mountain (the same mountain I just walked up - only on the other side). At the top, we found another look-out and in Russian fashion were invited to stop for tea. I found that Russians love tea and coffee breaks. They have them often. I'm really liking these, as they add natural lemon to their black tea. Amazing! Our chair lift ride was wonderful. Being my first chair lift experience up a mountain, I was totally afraid, but proud of myself for all that I have accomplished today.
I made some great friends on that mountain and found that Russian men are very chilverous toward women. I also realized that Russians will carry canteens of tea up a mountain, only to stop for a tea break at the top. How cool is that?!
I'm freezing cold, without function in my legs, but happy about my adventurous day. Now, no more mountain climbing and hikes for me in a long, long time.