A One Night Escape From Sofia

Kate, Jamie and I took off from Sofia on Saturday afternoon to spend the night in Borovets, a small-ish resort area in the Rila Mountains, and do some hiking before the cold creeps in.  We took the gondola up from Borovets to the base camp that leads to the Musala peak, the highest in Bulgaria.  We hiked for a few hours, never attempting to reach the peak, and then returned to our amazing villa which we rented out at half-price as a last minute offerta.  We made a massive Mexican dinner, ate it at the same table as some random Bulgarians, graded by the fire, tried to soak are weary bones in a jacuzzi, and then slept like little babies. In the morning, our new Bulgarian grandparents served us a massive breakfast before we headed back to Sofia.  On our way back to the city we tried to storm a castle, but were thwarted at every turn by flooded creeks, rickety bridges, and the wrong mountain path.  Oh well, next time. Here are the pics:

Kate and Jaime set out after the 25 minute gondola ride.  

 

A b+w shot from our hike. 

The landscape is covered in green pines. 

Taking a break from the walk. 

Although we were met by high winds and a bit of rain, the sun did manage to poke through.

This building was just one of many wrecked structures at the Musala base camp. 

Thought about a quick dip in this small lake.

Sun and light

Pulling off the road to find the castle - the colors indicate that fall is quickly approaching.

We found the door trying to keep you out of the castle. 

Jaime tests the bridge and it actually is fairly stable - off to find the castle! 

Waiting near the creek.