It all started when Daniel announced he would be working in a small cozy cottage in the mountains for the Winter. It was only natural that some of us had the ide of visiting him there. And after a couple of failed plans, finally we set up this event. Some of us would go on Friday, with Rolf, by car. A few would travel by bus in the same day, while some others would join early on Saturday.

The trip to Horni Mala Upa, the closest village, was smooth. We stopped for lunch, in a nearby town and finally proceeded to the final destination. Once the car was properly parked we start looking for the trail up to the mountains. And that's when the problems begun. The snow was very soft and high and the initial stage was a total mess. It took us about one hour to "walk" 300 meters. Fortunately conditions became gradually better and we negotiate the steepest stage with fair ground. But the whole thing took us so much time that we we finally arrived up there it was already dark.

Those who went to the summit on Sunday

The atmosphere in the cottage was warm and friendly. There wasn't anyone else there. Just us, the two groups from CS, those who went by car ironically arrived after those who just rode the bus. Everybody was naturally tired and after a few beers we went up, to bed.

Next day the weather conditions were tough. Even so, Mario, Rolf and Gerard (Olexey tried, but backed up after a couple hundred meters) went up to the summit. The rest just stayed, drinking, eating, chating, having fun. Eventually, later in the morning, some went for a short stroll, exploring the grounds around the cottage. After a fair number of hours, those who went up there returned, and we all sat, hearing the details of the adventure. Pretty nasty, I would say. Well.. dinner time came, and a wonderfull goulash was served. Lovely evening. End of second day.

Sunday. A miracle happened: weather conditions dramatically improved. Clear view all around. It's wonderfull. We can observe all around, we are almost in the top of the mountain, the highest spot of the country. After a fast breakfast everybody gets ready. There are some doubts about the condition of the snow. If it's as soft as in the previous day it would be impossible for those with no snow shoes, like me. But fortunatelly the bad weather made the snow hard, and the walk up it's easy, although physically demaning. Some parts are really steep. The landscape is unbelievably beautifull.

The cottage

Once in the summit everybody is excited! We did it! And there is a small building which serves the purpose of post office and also serves hot drinks and sells souvenirs. We stay there for a while, having some rest before the way down. Unforgetable moments.

FInally we start walking down... oh and it's so much easier! The weather is perfect. Clear visibility, temperatures about -2. The fields are completely white and there are generous portions of ice formed around everything vertical: poles, trees, trail signs.

We arrive to the cottage. It's time to prepare to leave. We eat something and than we say goodbye to Daniel. One of the best moments of my Couchsurfing experience in Prague so far.... after two years of intense life here.

Metereological station on the summit	Going up
Beautifull scenery	Chating with the storm