Snowshoes in Rila Mountain

That was my first group for 2011, as a guide.

With my colleague Kiril Lefterov, we leaded for a weekend a Romanian group with snowshoes. They needed to prepare for Elbrus summit (5642 m), Caucasus. Some time later Elbrus was closed for 2011, due to terrorist attack (one tourist get shot, I've heard)... Anyway, in February Elbrus was still fine, so they came to Rila mountain for a training!


We're introducing each other, while having a dinner in "Kalina" hotel in Govedartsi village.


The evening before the hike. I am the hairy guy on left.


Here's a beautiful photo from our hotel's tavern.


Another beauty inside here.

We passed over Zeleni Rid (The Green Hill), reaching hut of Ivan Vazov, situated just between 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery.


Heading the goal!


Playing can-can in the mountain - the wish is everything...


Scaring, spectacular... Unforgettable?


And here's our home for this night - hut of Ivan Vazov.

Just before the night, we climbed a peak, near to the hut. From there we watched the sunset, a truly exceptional one!


Quick ascent before dinner, with the sunset behind - and even a quicker picture, before to get blown away by the wind!!


Another winter dream that we had.


The cozy hut during our dinner.

For the next day we planed to pass closer to the 7 Rila lakes, but the fog and the avalanches danger pushed us to change our mind. So we decide to use the yesterday's path.


This is why we're here! The beauty of Rila mountains in winter times.


We're happy with this well spent weekend! =)

And that was my first hiking group for 2011! =)


If there's an aim, we'll find a way forward...

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