I Just Love It
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Words by Pete Heck / Photography by Dalene and Pete Heck
Dalene is crazy. How can you not JUST love this?
No hate.
Just love.
(Despite slight instances of her complaining, I like having Dalene along on hikes. At the very least I never have to worry about mosquitoes as they are instantly attracted to her instead.)
In the mountains, I am in my element. The fresh air, picture-perfect backdrops, and so many paths that we could have explored for days and weeks on end.
these are the gorgeous tatra mountains of poland.
These mountains were a big part of the reason I wanted to visit Poland. And they didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
Many thanks to the Poland Tourism Board for arranging this, my favourite part of our visit in the country.
It looks like you’re carrying daypacks. Did you stay at the various hostels in Tatra park, or in Zakopane? Any thoughts on which is better if a person was there for a week of hiking?
The “daypacks” comment was meant to imply that you were not camping, and thus must be sleeping somewhere other than a tent…
Hey Rob, We just stayed in Zakopane and did day hikes. Supposedly staying in the huts you need to book reservations months in advance to have somewhere even to lie down, nevermind all the gear we would need to carry. As much as I would have loved to make a multi-day trek, it was much easier having a base and just picking a new path daily.
That all makes sense. That gear is also not really consistent with the lightweight life you’re leading…
Good to know about the booking in advance issues. I’ll remember that for when I get there, one of these days.
These pics are absolutely stunning!
Thanks Andi!
Fantastic photos again Peter, and know what you mosquitoes, they never attack me, but get my wife every time. Must be something about the female gentler side of nature! Just tell Darlene to keep using mosquitoe spray, you do not have to worry!
I love Poland, except for the Death Camps, which I would not want to visit again, but apart from that it is a beautiful country with so much history. Salt Mines are amazing, as is rest of country.
What camera and lens are you using, I currently use a Sony A 65 with Tamron lens to get great photos and video.
Love your blogs of your travels.
Peter, meant to say “and know what you mean about mosquitoes”, as they never do attack me.
Thanks Murray, Dalene keeps saying she smells better than me, and she’s probably right, hence the mosquito attraction to her. At this moment we’re using a Canon 600D (T3i) with kit lens (18-55m) and a Galaxy S3 for mobile photography. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, cheers!
Stunning pictures. Hiking allows me to feel cut off from the rest of the world even if it’s just for a few hours. Great post!
Thanks Lauren, it’s my way to feeling cut off from the world as well, #1 reason I love it so much.
Didn’t realize these mountains were so gorgeous, nice work!
They’ve been on my “must-see” list for quite some time now and they didn’t disappoint. Cheers Sally!
I’m a mountain lover as well, but unfortunately never visited the Tatras.
I knew it was a nice place but didn’t expect it to be so beautiful. Another place to add on an ever growing list 🙂
I think I have the same problem, our list keeps getting longer and we can’t travel fast enough to keep up to it 🙂
Just stumbled upon your site/blog.
How gorgeous…& the voice is from within & this makes it special & personal. Keep the fascination going!
You and Tim are pretty much two peas from the same pod. He LOVES hiking and the mountains.
We’ll have to plan a trip where you girls enjoy the spa and Tim and I go on a trek 😉
I know! Dalene and I go glamping and you and Tim go traditional camping. Glamping vs. camping!
I never enjoyed hiking until moving abroad. Now I really appreciate being out in nature (probably from the lack of nature in my daily life here in Hong Kong!)
Loved seeing all your photos of the Tatras.
Thanks Beth, I’ve never been to HK. Is there any hiking nearby at all?
Your pics do make a very compelling case for hiking. What gorgeous sights can be seen. I’ve wanted to visit Poland for a long time, but never really pictured places like the Tatra Mountains — totally different perspective of the country for me.
Gorgeous. Now I wanna go too!
Very lovely photos! I thought the Tatra Mountains were in Georgia-you live and learn! Have a great trip
You’ve convinced me! I’m so going to hike here someday. Such gorgeous scenery.
Beautiful, beautiful mountains, and you can even make a dip down to Slovakia from there too. 🙂
I managed to hike there last summer. Oh dear, that was so exhausting but I succeed! Great scenery, huh? I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Tatra mountains in Poland are fantastic. I have run it through completely with my friend when I was 14 to 18 years old and spent every year two-three months in the monuntains. I avoided the Giewont peek where you needed most often to queue; this is the most popular peek and not very difficult. Even nowadays, when I am going back there every seven years or so, I still remember the trees and rocks behind the turns, and many other surpising details.
Anna from Helsinki, Finland.
These photos are gorgeous. I’m going to the Tatra mountains this summer and I’m looking for some good hikes. Do you mind telling me what it is called or how to get there? Thanks 🙂