Alinsky Monastery 2022

Saturday was the last of a bunch of really warm and pleasant spring days we enjoyed last week. For our hike we chose again a low mountain near Sofia and a trail, which  has become a staple in our spring and autumn hiking itinerary. 

Although I did bring the DSLR with me in the car to photoshoot husband's new orange hat, I decided to leave it in the car, so only phone photos again.

:The picturesque St Kipryan's chapel near the start of the trail. On a sunny weekend its grounds are usually occupied by picnicking families and parked cars and I rarely get the chance to take a nice picture of it, but this Saturday we started early and were ahead of the crowd.

:The purple crocuses were just in their most glorious peak and I kept taking pictures of them all the way

Hike info:

Destination: Alinsky Monastery

Mountain: Plana

Total length: 13 km

Elevation gain: 200 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 4 hours

Average difficulty: 3 / 10

:Surprisingly, there were still some patches of snow left here and there

:As on Lulin mountain last week, apart from the spring flowers, spring is still a few days / weeks away in the mountains - no green grass, no flowering or leafing trees

:The high peaks of Rila are still covered with deep snow, which shines beautifully under the April sun

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

 

I: lingerie, socks, Sabrina Slims, Burda hoodie

Husband: men's boxers, Knipmode cargo pants, orange hat

:The only building of the ancient Alinsky monastery, still remaining standing nowadays - the XIV century church. We had a very delicious lunch here on the grass, facing the church, and headed back.