Beautiful Tatras Mountains!

We were determined to get out and see the Tatras today, even if it was raining.  We gathered our raingear and warm clothes (only about 50 degrees for the high and that was in town, not in the mountains).  We researched our different hiking options and decided on a trail to Moskie Oko.  We boarded a minibus that took us up to the national park entrance.   We decided to ride in the horsedrawn wagons that take you up the trail, with the plan to walk down again.

Thankfully, it was not raining, only misty.  We passed through very green, mossy forests with glimpses of the higher snow topped mountains in the distance.  The trail climbed steadily and the wagon took us up a paved road approximately 7 kms.  Just before the end of the ride, we passed the 'snow line' and the trees and ground were covered with fresh snow (approximately 2-3 inches).

At the end of the ride, we walked the rest of the way to the lake at the end of the trail.  Absolutely beautiful!

We ate our picnic lunch at a warming house by the lake, then started our hike back down - 9 km total. We saw lots of other more serious hikers with large backpacks, etc.  One guy was even coming back down with skis and boots strapped to his huge backpack (downhill style, NOT cross country!)  He must be the one that the avalanche warning signs were posted for.

Delaney lived up to her nickname as The Trooper today!  Hardly any complaints and she only asked the question 'how much longer?' three times.   The return trip by minibus was quite nice because the sun finally decided to shine.

Although it was chilly, it was a good time of year to go - skiing season was over and the peak of summer season has not yet begun.