Hello again!
I hope yesterday’s piece didn’t throw you away, and that you’ll indulge me with yet another more spicy article! Why spicy? It’s a truthful article with a not-so-pinky opinion!
After the 4 day trip to Sovata, it was time for the annual Bucovina tradition! And this year I opted for something I wish for a while now: To hike in the Ceahlau Mountains! Said and done!
With medium research including Ceahlau National’s Prak website and other articles about the easiest way to Toaca Peak was about 4 hours to go and 2 and a half back on a blue line trail. Knowing myself I thought 5 hours to go and 3 back. Oh boy, was I wrong! Why I didn’t stick only with their website? Well, I find inspiring others’ experiences more relatable as I know my physical condition, and I know there are people like me out there!
And as a disclaimer! Even If you see me in sneakers, I do have the equipment, but I prefer using it when I go downhill, as when I climb the mountains I prefer to take it slow and I dose my energy better. I use them while climbing difficult portions as well, but when it’s an easy hike I prefer using sneakers as it’s more comfy! Also, as much as I love seeing the mountains, I am not a professional hiker, I am an occasional hiker due to the lack of time and with a heart condition, so I know that for some this hike will seem more accessible than it was to me. However, I want to increase awareness about the real effort needed for a trail marketed as “Family friendly” and “Medium to easy hike”. Also, someone who started the hike same time as me, and who seemed more experienced than me, and had only a half an hour difference up and 45 min down!
I started hiking at 7 A.M from the Izvorul Muntelui Chalet where I had to pay the 2 euros fee to enter the park. The ranger said that the easiest hike it’s the no.1, the one already chosen, and it would be 2 and a half hours. The indicators said almost 4 hours, I said ok so it will be 3 hours and a half knowing my physical condition. I’m a teacher and I work more than 40 hours each week as I teach college too, I have a blog, I am in research (PhD) and I spend 2 hours in traffic each day. If I get to work out for half an hour every other day it’s perfect but most of the time I’m not. I am also a cardiac so, it’s even more difficult!
Until 11 A.M I was at Dochia Chalet (as the indicator stated). Took my time, lots of breaks, easy way up, but what pisses me off is the fact that many bloggers advertised this as a “family-friendly” or “beginner-friendly” hike. Say what now? “Like a walk in the park, then a walk on the hills”. It wasn’t the hardest hike I have ever been on! But it isn’t family-friendly either in my opinion!
It’s a hike in the forest 95 % of the time until Dochia chalet. Is that it’s fully elevated! I think it’s just 5-10 minutes of a straight line; otherwise, it’s just an elevated walk with plenty of roots sticking out, rocks, and sometimes even sandy portions!
Being “a walk” in the forest, there aren’t many views to make up for the effort until you are on top, and with the bear problem, being in a small group isn’t exactly comfy, but I didn’t see any!
Once at the chalet, the view started to become breathtaking. There you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a warm meal, a cuddle from their cat or dog, and even a stay if you plan on spending the night or trying another hike! They are very friendly and open!
From there, the hike towards the peak is only a 45-minute walk in the park. A hill park, but it’s a walk in the park. Why? Well, it’s mostly on a plateau, and the views are rewarding, you can take pictures, you can eat cranberries or blueberries, and even you can take a detour to a monastery if you please!
The last part, the well-known stairs, are a little difficult, as there’s no shade and 10 stairs are pretty difficult, but only those! In about 15 minutes you are up those 523 steps! And there you have the beauty!
The view over Izvorul Muntelui Lake makes it all worthwhile (to me especially after 26 years of driving around it!)!
After taking it in, you can go back to Dochia Chalet in half an hour or so, and then the funny part starts! At least for me!
I think I speak for all weak-knee people when I say that this trail shouldn’t be advertised as family-friendly! Or a medium to low-intensity hike!
It is a medium to high-intensity trail for occasional hikers! The way back took over four hours, as my knees started hurting after one hour and I needed to take it even slower than in the morning! Maybe it was because of time pressure, as I needed to check in in Suceava, maybe because I was pissed off at those who have written those articles as it was an easy peasy hike, but it felt like 8 hours, not four!
Do I regret this hike? No! Do I want to take it again? Yes, but with a different mindset and maybe more time! Would I take my nieces and sister on this trail right now? Hell no! Not even my brother-in-law who is a bit more athletic! From my point of view, it’s not a family-friendly hike from my point of view!
It’s not entry-level either (some of my “virgin” friends would bail on me if I would take them there first), but it’s okay if you are an occasional hiker like me. It’s not easy as it’s promoted, but it’s not impossible either! Take your time, and be prepared for a medium hike with a rewarding view! Take your water with you as there are no springs of water, lots of energy bars and chocolate!
Otherwise? Enjoy this hike and the amazing view!
I want to end this article with a simple closure: this is an amazing hike, worth doing, and not impossible but let’s say it’s a medium to difficult hike and a long hike. It’s doable in a day, but it’s better not to be in a hurry. And to us, bloggers all around the blogging community, whether it’s blogging or vlogging, let’s not forget why we are here, to give honest opinions so people can make informed decisions!
And with this, I think I will complete the travel series for a while, and go back to what’s really on-trend: the fall!
Until next time, I wish you #adreamerlife!
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