Grab my hand…

And watch your step.

Today, we’re going hiking, so prepare your legs. I promise it won’t be too difficult, but it will be worth every step.

Before we start walking, take a moment to admire the view.

You might also want to put on a jacket. Even in the middle of summer, it can be surprisingly cold up here.

“But… where are we?”

Look around.

We’re high in the Carpathian Mountains, standing at Bâlea Lake, more than 2,000 metres above sea level. In fact, we’re already at 2,034 metres.

See that white patch over there?

Yes…

That’s snow.

I know it’s summer, but here, in the Carpathians, finding snow that refuses to melt is perfectly normal.

And there, right in front of us, lies Bâlea Lake.

Doesn’t it look like a giant emerald resting between the mountains?

The little patches of snow only make it even more beautiful.

If you dare to touch the water…

Well…

Let’s just say your hand might regret that decision.

It’s freezing.

If all this fresh mountain air makes you hungry, don’t worry. There are places nearby where you can grab something to eat before or after our hike.

And if you’re the adventurous type, you might even find the zip line operating. I’m not sure it’s always open, but if you’re lucky enough to catch it, it’s definitely worth trying. Flying above this landscape is an experience you’ll remember for a long time.

But…

I told you to prepare your legs.

Our destination today is Lăițel Peak, standing proudly at 2,390 metres.

That means we’ll climb another 350 metres or so.

It may sound like a lot, but the trail is friendly, and every step rewards you with an even more spectacular view.

If we’re lucky, we’ll even walk through the clouds.

Have you ever done that?

Passing through a cloud is a strange feeling.

The air suddenly becomes colder.

Everything turns white.

For a few moments, it feels as if the mountains disappear around you…

…until the wind moves the clouds away and the entire landscape opens before your eyes once again.

Along the trail we’ll find colourful alpine flowers, rocky paths, and endless mountain ridges stretching towards the horizon.

But what I love most isn’t reaching the summit.

It’s everything in between.

The fresh mountain air.

The silence.

The sound of your boots against the rocks.

That feeling that every step brings you just a little closer to the sky.

So…

Grab my hand.

Take a deep breath.

And let’s start walking.

The mountains are waiting for us.