Malyovitza, High Up in the Clouds

Malyovitza is one of the highest peaks in Rila and on the Balkans and the trail to climb it from the Central Mountain School is considered one of the most difficult climbs - it is long, very steep and rocky and requires good physical condition and stamina. The elevation gain is over 1000 m and the terrain is mostly covered with broken rocks. I've climbed Malyovitza four times now and every time it feels like an accomplishment.

The day started sunny and hot, but soon low hanging clouds gathered around the peak and covered the sky. The air was unusually quiet, with almost no wind, so the clouds stayed over our heads and made this climb quite different from the others - with limited panoramic views and partial glimpses of distant peaks and ridges from the top. Along the ridge and on top of the peak we literally walked through a cloud and at times it almost felt eerie. 

I'm getting tired of the DSLR this summer and though I brought it with me, it stayed in husband's backpack almost the entire hike, I took it out just here and there to take a photo or two. I love taking pictures, but the DSLR is just too heavy :(

 

 

The valley of the Malyovitza river. The two terraces of the valley are like oases along the steep  trail, where the feet can get a rest and the eyes can revel in the scenery.

A murder of crows flew over our heads and landed on the nearby slope:

 

 

The Rila Monastery in the far distance. This part of the mountain was enjoying sunny weather:

 

Finally our efforts have been rewarded - on top of the peak, right in the middle of the white cloud.

A few small mountain birds, similar to sparrows, but bigger, flew around the peak. They were surprisingly brave and did not care much about the dozens of tourists around.

 

 

The cloud moved and for a few minutes we could glimpse the three Malyovitza lakes and the hut in the distance ... 

as well as some of the peaks and ridges across.

Then a new white fluff came over our heads and covered the scenery in spooky whiteness:

 

A glimpse back at the peak - half of the ridge is covered in clouds, the other half is clear.

We walked along the ridge, amazed by the low hanging clouds:

The southern part of the mountain with Rila Monastery, lit through the clouds:

The three Elenini lakes from above:

We had a short break at the big Elenino lake. We would have stayed here longer, but time was pressing us, we didn't want to  drive back to Sofia in the dark:

The picturesque valley of the Malyovitza river: