Summary

Today has been one of those days that reminds you: it’s not just about the destination,
but all the small moments – the hush when spotting wildlife, the unexpected beauty of a church
on a mountaintop, the comforting weight of a dinner well earned. Oh… and the thermo pools!

Highlights

7:00 am – Quiet moments before the bus

Breakfast was fabulous. As we lingered outside waiting for the mini-bus, a little old lady
passed by with her Jack Russell. She was begging, for food or money, I couldn’t quite tell.
The surprising thing was, she looked well cared for, and her dog looked healthy too.

Maroš chatted with her, and she eventually made her way over to the church, perching on a bench.
There’s something haunting in scenes like that; I can’t help but wonder how she fares when winter comes.

8:00 am – And we’re off!

We arrive at Štrbské Pleso Park and wow, there are so many people already. But I totally get it:
the place is magical. Nestled in the High Tatras, Štrbské Pleso is a glacial lake (or tarn),
sitting at about 1,346–1,350 m elevation. It has this mirror-like calm to it, surrounded by sharp
mountain peaks, dense spruce and fir forest, and charming old-style hotels lining the lake’s rim.

We snap photos by the lake. Then the walk begins… and then, “what on earth is that??”
A massive deer, nonchalant as anything, crosses our path with its fawn. We all freeze.
No one speaks, not wanting to spook them. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel
you’re exactly where you should be.

11:00 am – Climbing higher

The trail climbs gently, weaving between trees and rocky outcrops, with sweeping views opening up
as we gain altitude. The scenery is stunning: ridges, cloud-light filtering through, the scent
of pine and damp earth.

The group naturally splits. The first group surges ahead toward a lake-front café. I could have
happily stayed there for hours, absorbing the stillness, but no, they have plans. A quick beer,
then down the mountain, onward to a chairlift ride to reach another peak.

1:00 pm – Chairlift reflections

There’s something deeply peaceful about being in a chairlift. I’m with Natasha and Oliver.
Silence, except for the faint mechanical hum, wind in our faces, eyes taking in slope after slope.

Then we see a chairlift coming the other direction which has no people on it… just a box of tools!
The next chairlift has a random chainsaw… then the next chairlift has mountain workers. What a great
way to go to work!

I can’t recall the name of this mountain, but as we ascend we pass ski slopes and ski jumps,
those looming structures that look both terrifying and fascinating. Do people actually jump
off those? I wondered.

Meanwhile, the second group is making their way down the mountain road. Waterfalls appear,
cascading over mossy stones; gaps in the trees reveal dramatic ridgelines.
Claire’s boot… well, let’s just say its sole decides it’s done with the job.
I reckon she needs a new pair.

4:00 pm – A surprise hilltop church

Back in the van, everyone is dragging a little. There’s that post-hike glow, and maybe some sore muscles.
One lady is softly snoring in the back.

Then, instead of heading straight to the hotel, Peter takes us up higher, to a large hilltop church
that I didn’t see coming. We wander its grounds and take in the panorama. It’s a lovely surprise.

5:00 pm – Dinner well earned

Dinner is early but rich: creamy tomato soup crowned with cheese, followed by a succulent salmon fillet
with potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and a walnut sauce that makes you close your eyes just tasting it. Yum.

Later, we slip into swimwear…

6:15 pm – Thermopool time

Thermopool time. It wasn’t as otherworldly as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland — this was more man-made,
but in a good way. Warm, steamy water, drifting aromas, the light fading behind mountains.

We swam around, water brown-tinged with nature’s minerals, steam rising in curls, people everywhere
yet somehow calming. Good for muscles. Very relaxing.

Some decide to venture into the regular pool to do a few laps… me, no, I don’t like being cold!

9:30 pm – Winding down

By 9:30 pm we’re back at the hotel, exhausted in the best way, quietly planning our final day.