fire

so since I last wrote we have had a great week walking, cycling and sight
seeing in the Mala Fatra followed by couple of days by a lake on the edge
of the High Tatras. The weather has generally been fab and the scenery is
stunning. Today we have arrived in he slovensky raj or translated the
slovak paradise, a national park full of river gorges with one way walking
routes through them using ladders etc. We go on our first trip tomorrow.
Watch this space but the photos look fantastic!

We had a great stay in the mala fatra and found a gem of a campsite. We had
a pitch by the river, with its own fire pit and spent the days being very
energetic followed by evenings sat around the fire. Chris tried to make
fire the "Ray Mears" way but in the end resorted to matches, it seems that
its a whole lot harder than it looks on tele! We also got chatting about
the human fascination with fire and I found a great quote today in the
welcome brochure here that sums it up sooo well: "Fire is a good servant
but a bad lord".

Our sightseeing trips have taken us to two folk villages, collections of
painted log houses. The first cicmany (Picture of me on last entry) was
really unique, all the houses are dark stained logs painted with white
patterns to resemble embroidery patterns. A lot of inspiration for some
great sewing when I get back!

We also cycled to bethelem! I guess that needs some explanation....to be
more precise the Slovak Bethlehem, a 10m long, 3m high wooden carving
depicting the nativity. and slovak life. It was full of moving parts,
people chopping wood etc and was just amazing. I have some videos (photos
just don't do it justice) so will try and figure out how to post them on
here.

Yesterday we spent playing in the lake and broke out the canoe for a great
paddle in the sunshine and some glorious views of the hills around,
followed by a dip in the lake to cool of when we got back. This is the life!

Alice Ward

Sent with SnapperMail
www.snappermail.com