Mnich in high Tatras

Climbing Mnich (Monk ) in the High Tatras Mountains thus was my fascinating experience
Really I am not good rope-climber .To be precise my first little routes on the rock walls were 30 years ago during my studies at Jagiellonski University. Then I climbed several times little rocks and rock walls with my friends in the Cracow’s neighborhood
But it came the time to make effort to climb Mnich . Mnich It was my dream-summit.
Mnich is the most popular Rope-climbing summit in the Polish High Tatras
There are several up to VII –class routes on the 300m sheer east wall .Those aren’t for my skill. But on the other back side of Mnich there are two routes II and III just suitable for me.
So On 9th of June 2007 I decided to climb Mnich. High Tatras are in distance 100km away from my hometown. Sucha B. These mountains have been the most explored by me for 30 years
I got up very early at 2 a.m. so I Could avoid some crowds on the road to the most popular place Morskie Oko in the High Tatras ( Morskie Oko tarn).On some sunny days About 20 thousand tourists took this 9 kms’ asphalt road from Palenica Parking-lot to Morskie Oko
I set off at 2.30.I haven’t got any climb-gear .I took only 12m-long rope along me.
Arrived at around 4 a.m. at Palenica Parking –lot. Ate something and started to Morskie Oko Tarn. It was still dark .I was the first on the asphalt road and instead of people I met only some wild animals. They gazed at me and were very amazed. Telling the truth I was a little afraid of meeting a bear .But it all works good and I didn’t see it. I achieved Morkie Oko around 6a.m.Just has begun to dawn.

Ate breakfast and took marked tourist route so –called Ceprostrada. which ascend to Szpiglasowa Saddle. I followed the route to the junction and there took the left turn to Chalubinskiego wrota. Near the Stawki Staszica (Staszica Tarns).Now I took an unmarked path toward so-called Monk’s back. Here I left an unnecessary stuff in the cave-niche. From here there is easy access to the upper balcony on Mnich (Monk) just 60 meter belong the summit. And from here there is one II and one III climbing route to the summit. I took III- Robakiewicza route and started ascent. First it was easy. There were some angular holders .But next it was more difficult just only circular holders. I stopped breathing and overcame the most difficult part of ascent. After some minutes I got to the summit of Mnich 2067m a.s.l.
It is 2m x 2m inclined slab. I took some pictures of Hind Monk (see picture) my next year’s goal I couldn’t decide which route take as descent .It looked more difficult than ascent. During my hesitation I suddenly heard some shout. I didn’t think it was to me. I took out the rope and stuck it to the little metal hoop in such manner so I could then get rope back.
Holding the rope in one hand the second one I used to hold the rock wall .I traversed to right where there was the rock chimney down to the balcony. This method of descent wasn’t safe. But at last I got to the balcony and I saw a man neared to me. He was just person who shouted to me. He thought that I had some problems on the summit and he phoned rescue guard
So I had to phone back that all is right.(Thanks for him). I took back my stuff left in the niche and started to think what to do .It was still very early.

So I decided to go to the Chalubinski saddle. There was snow on the route. Needless to say that I didn’t have proper shoes neither an ice-axe .Off I went. I tried to go near the rock so I could hold it .It was difficult too. I often used my fingers as ice-axe. I met some couple who resigned in half of the way and were going back. Against some difficulties I achieved saddle at last .I took some pictures and with difficulties began descent. When I got safely to Morskie Oko tarn I phoned my Wife and I was very proud of myself to get to Mnich
Rested for a while at Morskie Oko .Then I forced my back way through crowds going to Morskie Oko. And returned home
Mnich-Monk-Topo
climbing in Tatras -Morskie Oko neighbourhood-englisch

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