Review of the hike “Over the Sea” from July 6 to July 11, 2008.
The group was very cool, the people were young, cheerful and multinational - Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, one German and one Englishman. We are all lovers of nature and outdoor activities, sociable and positive. And we immediately found a common language both among ourselves and with our guide Andrey and organizer Kirill. There were 15 of us in total.
Acquaintance.
Immediately at the station we distributed the food into backpacks. My personal opinion is that there was enough food, since I prefer not to be extravagant with food on a hike, but to carry less (I had a sad experience of the opposite at one time). Although some participants were dissatisfied and, on the contrary, wanted heavier backpacks, but also more food, otherwise in the fresh air they suddenly developed an appetite. It’s different for everyone, but for me, on the contrary, it disappeared due to the heat. I repeat once again - this is my personal opinion. If someone does not agree, let them also write a review, no problem.
We rode on the Simferopol-Alushta trolleybus for about 1.5 - 2 hours (I didn’t really notice, to be honest, I was talking with people, new people, interesting), then we unloaded at a stop in a small forest and briskly walked up the hill. It was brisk at first, because the heat was terrible (global warming, alas!), and we had to go steeply upward, and we still didn’t have time to adapt. I actually felt bad, acclimatization. And thank you very much to Kirill and Andrey for your care and understanding at that moment.
But at the very least, we made it to the first stop, pitched tents and cooked our first dinner - naval-style pasta, with stew! The most popular food on hikes. And then we chatted around the fire until late. Kirill and Andrey proposed the simplest and most effective way of getting to know each other - each person takes turns talking about himself, who he is, where he is from, what he does. And the key question is why you went on a hike and what you actually expect from the hike. After that, somehow everyone immediately became closer and closer.
The next day we completed our climb up the mountain, and then our entire route ran along the peaks of the mountains of Southern Crimea. Including the highest peak of Crimea - Roman-Kosh. (Let Kirill correct me if I spell the names incorrectly or if the numbers are not exact).
On top.
We arrived at Roman-Kosh (1545m) just on the second day. The views from there are amazing! For this reason, it was already worth going along the “Over the Sea” route. I’m generally a fairly experienced person, I’ve been on hikes in Altai, the Caucasus, Karelia, I’ve also climbed the Crimea, but on this hike I took a lot of beautiful pictures. And in general I saw enough beauty.
Stops were taken as the participants were tired and at the request of the participants, as well as snacks. Breakfasts and dinners were cooked naturally over a fire. Tea made from local herbs, thyme and lemongrass, for example, is awesome. By the way, there is a problem with water in Crimea (this is not news for those who have been there). The only decent source I saw was near our very first overnight stay. Then we had to be content with tiny streams with tiny trickles. It was quite stressful in this heat. But what to do, Crimea is Crimea.
So, on the third day we parted ways with our organizer Kirill (he initially planned to stay with our group for 2 days and then separate to explore new routes). And our guide Andrey and I reached the Arbor of the Winds. Yalta is very beautiful from a bird's eye view. Especially at night. Collectively we decided to exceed the program and make a forced march to the next stop. And by the way, they did it heroically! I wonder if this is something to be proud of?
Freedom and democracy
And on the fourth day of the hike, we stayed for the day near Ai-Petri until lunch, and were already running lightly to the funicular station.. And there who was doing what - some were climbing the battlements of Ai-Petri, some were just walking, and some were eating lagman with shish kebab in a restaurant. Here we have complete freedom and democracy.
After lunch, we walked in the heat to the next stop, got tanned and browned like pies. We looked cool - these dirty hikers, stupefied from the heat, walking in single file with leaves on their noses. But they still got burned!
The next day it finally rained. A little bit, but still, it was easier to walk with the clouds. There was such a strong wind on the steep cliffs! And that's great! Somewhere around 15.00 we already went down to the parking lot. It has already become much warmer here, including at night. Because the previous nights were quite cold, since we were much higher.
Last day of the hike. Slight sadness in anticipation of parting. It seems we managed to become friends. We go down to the Foros Church. The funny thing is that in advance almost everyone on the collective council decided to go to the final destination of the hike - to the tent camp in Laspi, since everyone took return tickets home a few days later (I was 2 days) in order to also relax at sea. BUT! When it dawned on us that we would have to go back up the mountain, and this would be long, tedious and under the scorching Crimean sun, then everyone changed their minds, and they had already scattered away from the Church in all directions, having previously exchanged emails and phone numbers. We said a tearful goodbye to our guide Andrey. Andrey! From me personally, respect and respect to you! You're great, keep it up! I hope we can go hiking again! May the force be with you! hee hee!
After the hike.
Six people, including me, decided to go down to Foros, although everyone scared us that this was such an elite place, it was so expensive to rent a house there, at least 100 dollars a night! It's all nonsense. We charged about 300 rubles per person per day. Not apartments, of course, just an ordinary private shack. But after the hike it didn’t matter to us, as long as there was a shower.
Well, we had a great time at sea for the remaining 2 days. The only sad thing was that the water was wildly cold. Imagine - the heat is 40 degrees, the beach is full of people, and no one is swimming. Simply impossible! Well, I swam and found a way. I just went to a local diving school, and in a 7mm suit with an instructor I swam to a sunken ship. But the icy water was still felt.
Results of the trip.
To sum up the “Over the Sea” hike, I give it a 5 rating! Everything suited me, I'm quite satisfied. I got what I wanted and saw what I expected. And even the problem with water did not bother me, since this was not my first time in Crimea and I knew what I was getting into. Kirill is a good organizer, a cool, sociable and approachable person. And Andrey, our guide, too.
So let's be friends, guys! Thank you!
Elena, Moscow 2008.
