Between 19th and 29th October 2013 a group of 16 – 18 year old Cadets and Adults from Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools CCF visited Southern Poland to complete a 5 day trek through the Polish Tatra Mountains as part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition. Our journey started with a comfortable flight on Lufthansa from Manchester to Krakow followed by a 2 hour bus journey to Zakopane, which was to be our base, whilst we completed our final route planning, kit selection/discussions, and weather checks, before we were ready to leave for the mountains.
Reaching Kiry we made our way along the Dolina Koscieleka in brilliant sunshine towards Wyjscle. Turning left we climbed steadily uphill through thick pine forest, before crossing the Przelecz Grzybowcu (1311m), towards the Kondracka Przelecz (1725mm) pass, where we rested before making a short diversion to climb the Giewont (1894m) using fixed rope and chains to assist ourselves up and down, en-route to our first nights refuge at the Hala Kalatowki.
After a good nights rest we set off towards the 90 year old Murowanic Hut nestling on a plateau set amongst fir and pine trees in the forest. However, our goal for the day was the Kapsrowy Wierch (1987m) which we could clearly see, but not how to get there. After checking our maps we set out along well defined forest tracks, which gave way to broken ground, larchen bushes, and eventually into the snow line which made the day more interesting, as the snow became deeper underfoot and the group picked their way upwards towards the summit. Reaching the summit we rested for lunch, accompanied by magnificent views of snow capped peaks and ranges all round. Suitably rested, we picked out way down a steep snow-covered track towards our nights refuge. Reaching our refuge in good time, we set out to explore one of the many black lakes in the high Tatra, which was surrounded by high lime stone walls and peaks, which rise sheer out of the lake which is frozen for over four months of the year, and home to a solitary Mallard, which quacked and waddled amongst the rocks.
Overnight the weather had not been kind, and dumped snow on the high passes, which made our original route choice now impassable. After breakfast, a new route was chosen - though longer it would be safer for the group. Leaving the safety of the Murowanic Hut we again headed into the forest, emerging into green rain-soaked pastures, as the mist rolled in and the ever present storm clouds swirled overhead. After many hours we reached the road leading up to the Morskie Oku, only to head back into the forest and a long ascent as we scrambled over rocks and boulders to reach the Dolina Pieciu Refuge. The refuge is set at the side of the Przedni Staw Polski Lake, which looked uninviting as the cold wind whipped up the surface into white horses. After more than 9 hrs walking we entered the warmth of the refuge and shelter for the night. The whole group were amazed at what they had achieved so far – and rightly so.
Next morning, after a very steep ascent, and even steeper descent we reached the Morskie Oku hut, in good time. After lunch, and with time to spare, we set off, back into the mountains, along a steep uneven mountain track. Half way along the track we stopped as a local guide pointed out Brown Bear droppings, making our visit to the ice cold glacial Black lake more interesting. Reaching the lake, which nestled on a plateau at the bottom of towering limestone rocky outcrops and peaks, the water was crystal clear and still, with snow lying further up the slopes. After exploring and snowballing, we made our way off the mountain back into the warmth of the Morskie Oku hut, which is one of the oldest huts in the high Tatra’s, for hot tea and apple strudel.
Suitably rested, we set off on the final leg of our journey, out of the mountains, and forests along old tracks towards Zakopane, but not before a final climb to the Gesia Szyja (1489m) and spectacular views across the high Tatra's and beyond. Our journey through the High Tatras was both challenging and exciting, covering over 60 miles, and 4000m of ascent, an achievement to be proud of. In Zakopane, the group explored a local Polish market and restaurant complete with Polish musicians.
Leaving Zakopane, visits where arranged to Auschwitz, and Auschwitz Birkenau. At Auschwitz our guide painted a harrowing tale of what life had been like for detainees, which had a profound effect on most of our group, especially after seeing the archive film footage, and walking round the death camps visiting the various blocks that housed the detainees. In Krakow, we visited the newly opened Schlindler Factory Museum, and old town.
Our trip to Poland was a great experience, though somewhat disturbing in the latter stages, and has shown us all new cultures, traditions, people, and remarkable Country.
Major Ian S Blackwood – Expedition leader
