Manastirishte, Spring 2019

Yesterday's hike was almost a repetition of our last year's hike on Manastirishte in March - sunny windy weather, gorgeous views to high mountains on all sides, crisp fresh air and easy trails. This year winter was short and mild and spring is a bit earlier - the snow on Plana had almost completely melted and the crocuses were out - like beautiful perky purple candles.

: The newly reconstructed church of Plana

: Vitosha in the distance

: Peak Marchin kamuk (1242 м)

: Rila in the distance, covered with clouds

: Crocuses and bees - spring is here to stay!

:Peak Manastirishte

: The old chapel on the peak

: On the peak (1338 m)

: Husband thought I was very funny, shading my eyes with my cap upon my hat :) Drinking herbal tea, eating home-made cheese pie and enjoying the view to my favourite Rila

: The village of Plana

: The Buddhist stupa near the village

Manastirishte 2018

Today was a windy, but fairly sunny Saturday and we had our traditional early spring hike to peak Manastirishte on Plana.

: The air was so clear and the view of the peaks of Rila - breathtaking

: Vitosha

: Manastirishte peak ahead

: Vitosha, the observatory tower

:The old dilapidated house still stands

: The chapel on the peak

: At peak Manastirishte (1338 м)

: The view from the top

: Fox moth caterpillar

: A lonely purple crocus. In two-three weeks' time the field will be covered with crocuses, but it is still early and cold for these beautiful purple candles

: We had our snacks, sitting on these stones in the sun

: The village of Plana and the peaks of Rila. I just couldn't have enough of that view, I love Rila so much

: While taking this picture I noticed the Buddhist stupa on the hill across. So off we went to visit it.

: The stupa has been erected on a very beautiful spot, with a gorgeous view of Plana, Vitosha and Rila on all sides

: A view to Plana and Manastirishte peak from the stupa

: Small tortoiseshell butterfly