Slovak Karst

Yesterday we walked a path in a wild, nice national park in Slovakia, called Slovak Karst.
Build from limestone mountains on the borders with Hungary and 40 kilometers west from
second largest city of Slovakia - Kosice.
A wildly rushing river has eroded the mountain resulting in a canyon - Zadiel canyon.
The cliff walls rise steeply on either side /more than 1000 meters elevation/ and are not
without their danger, especially if you are climbing them, or walking along the edge.
Patrick, a young Slovakian guy we met, walked with us today and told us how one of his
friends decided to call his girlfriend using a phone. Only after they had climbed down
did they learn of his fall. This was only year ago. Patrick loves to hike here he said,
"It always makes me a very happy when I come here. This place have a special vibe."
Day was warm the early spring flowers were blooming and we had a geat time seeing
and photographing them. In fact, I was surprised at the number and variety of
wild flowers and plants that were already up and growing looking forward to the summer
season. Slovakia is pretty far north and its summers are short but intensive. To add
to this the canyon with its steep sides has sun at the bottom for rather short periods
of time each day so I suppose all plants in such an environment spring to life quickly
with the first hints of warmth. Inversion make this place unique. Cold loving flowers
are on the bottom of canyon - warm loving flowers 1 km higher!!!

The walk was not difficult. The trail is leading to the top of the pass.
I am not sure how far a person has to walk to find a road on the other side. We walked
several kilometers stopping for brunch at a picnic table beside a cottage. We had packed
sandwiches. At this point there are camping facilities and several cabins that
can be rented. One quite large cabin is owned by the local university in Kosice.

Story about the phone reminded me that I needed to call home. In Kosice internet cafe /on
every corner!/ I just went on my favorite web site - justphonecard.pushline.com and bought
Bizon phone card within seconds.