Montenegro - Day 4, Prutaš Peak

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The next morning after a delicious breakfast (ham and eggs), we got on the bus to head to our hike for the day. The drive up was just gorgeous. It was hard to get a good photo at times, but the winding roads, mountains, geology, sheep - just beautiful. We were initially supposed to hike Bobotuv Kuk, the highest point, and our guide showed us where we would have started. We continued on, and finally stopped at a pull out area with benches and a frame as photo ops. There were plenty of cars with tourists obviously taking advantage of the nice weather, but for the moment we had the spot to ourselves.

Our guide was like, how can I make you guys move? For the second time actually - he was very nice about it, but liked to tease those who took many photos. The first twenty minutes were pretty steep, pretty much straight uphill. Then we got to an area with nice meadows and only a slight gradient, then another section uphill, until we got a nice long path that was either fairly flat or a low grade. It was just lovely. I also noted (a geologist, with geo hazard specialty) the many sinkholes in the area, which I had actually noticed on the drive. We came across one that was small in diameter that Milan pointed out; one of the girls went to stick her leg and he's like "what are you doing???" We all laughed, but he tried to impress on us there were many in the area. We actually stopped at a fairly large one for a short break before we started uphill again. Already, we were loving this hike and thanked him for changing it.

We saw a few people passing us or that we would later pass, so it was fairly popular. The next section was pretty steep in places, but the steep sections were fairly short, so the hike itself was still pleasant. I was up with Gh and Luke with the rest behind. Gh was the first to get to the top of this area, I was the third - I saw them quickly come back down this little rocky section, warning me that the top was cold and windy. So, I put my sweatshirt on under my jacket, pulled my balaclava up and readied myself, and then warned the rest of the group. So we had another short break here to prepare and grab a bite of our snacks. And yes, the top of this hill was indeed cold and windy! But, oh my god the view was amazing!!! Directly across was some really cool geology, with lots of folds and Bobotuv Kuk right next to it. It was a beautiful day with blue skies, and the green vegetation really stood out. So incredible.

We of course took more photos, then continued on. Again, this was a fairly low gradient that skirted the inside of the mountain valley, so amazing views across the whole way. After about 40 more minutes of hiking, we took a longer break, near where some other hikers who had passed also sat. It was right on the top of the peak, so we got incredible views on both sides. We got some more snacks, with our guide apologizing about forgetting our lunch - I was like, we would have had to carry it anyway. No worries. We watched the other hikers as they took off and started up the much steeper slope to the peak.

Soon, it was our turn and we moved on. The slope was steep, but it was not crazy, like Bobotuv would have been. However, each time we thought we got to the top, nope, it was still further. However, we continued to see amazing geology. And the top of this long steep slope showed vertical bedding right across - so amazing. Then we climbed a little more before we got to a section with slightly more challenging climbing - along vertical rock faces and very narrow trails. He had the one girl who had not hiked before walk with him. Gh, Luke and I went first up the final slope and I was awarded with finally reaching the summit!

I've climbed to the top of plenty of mountains before, but this was my first time to reach one with the sign / marker and guestbook, at 2,393m. It was actually pretty cool and fulfilling. We waited for everyone else to climb up and, of course, took lots and lots of photos. We were able to take a longer break here to admire the amazing views. All around, we could see everything. It was a completely clear day. We could see the peaks in Bosnia, Serbia, and even Croatia.

I think Milan was getting hungry, so we started to make our way down to the bus, which would be waiting for us. This was a different route down, and we were warned there would be steep sections. So, he had the inexperienced girl go down with him first- he wanted us to all stick together until we got through this challenging area. She was a bit nervous as this was all very new to her. There were some quite steep sections, almost vertical in some areas. But she did it. She was like, you guys are rock stars. I'm like, meh, I just spent 8 months doing this in Saudi Arabia... Yay.

So, then the guide told the rest of us we could continue down at our own pace, as we could all see the bus at this point. However, the scree slope was much bigger than it seemed and this is the type of material I hate hiking on - loose, gravel / cobbles on slopes. Especially coming down. So, we all actually moved pretty slowly and carefully down. But we were all also still high off the hike - both due to its beauty and because it was the hardest, and because it was our third hike in three days and we were done. Oh, also, we were getting hungry. So, slowly, but a little faster than we probably should have. It took about an hour to make it through the scree, then it was another 30-40 minutes down some pretty steep hills. Finally, we walked through a pasture, where sheep were feeding and drinking, and soon cattle joined them.

I was the fourth one to the bus and we each took our huge sandwiches up to a picnic table sitting on a small hill overlooking the end of the hike area, watching as horses were driven to the pasture area as well. I really think this was my favorite hike I have ever done. It was beautiful, it was long, and it was challenging in sections without being too difficult. In fact, I absolutely loved all three of the hikes we did - they were each so different and memorable!

After getting on the bus, we discussed doing another short hike or something, but finally decided on a bar nearby that had great views. It was about a 15 minute drive and then we found it, with no one there due to the cold and setting sun. So, half of us (the drinkers) sat at one table, and the other half (the non-drinkers) sat at the either. They had coffee or tea, while we sampled the rakija. I had had in Croatia before, and of course Milan had plenty. But the other guys had not. So, aside from Gh who had whiskey, G, Luke and I each had a shot of the three different flavors: plum, apple, and ... I forget the other one. So strong! I only had half my third shot and was tipsy. Then we headed back to the hotel.

That evening, we went into town of Zablijak for dinner to the Restaurant Or'O. The restaurant Milan recommended was very busy, but they had an outside table for 10 people. We had one heater that was on the other end of the table from me, so I waited and watched the couple next to us, covered in provided blankets, until they finished their meal and as soon as they got up, I stole their heater. Much better! But before that, I had ordered a coffee with bailey's to warm me up, and shared a bottle of wine with the drinkers. The food was good and the atmosphere was great - I got a mushroom risotto and chicken broth (to keep me warm!). The guys got either lamb or goulash, which also looked warm and delicious. I felt a bit bad for Beco our driver who did not speak English, but he seemed happy enough - he was such a sweet guy!

After dinner, Milan talked us into one final drink. So he led us to his favorite spot, but it was busy and we were a group of ten. So, we went across the street to an empty bar which had a very limited selection, but it was nice to chill out and talk. They had juices and tea for the non-drinkers, the rest of us I think got whiskey and coke. Then we headed back to the hotel, where I believe we all slept well after the long day!

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Photos

Prutaš Peak
note the awesome geology

Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

The beauty of Montenegro
Enjoy the hiking. I might be one of those slowing things down to take many photos. Thanks for blogging.