Where have you been?

After the two long trips on days one and two we decided to take it easy on day three. After sleeping in and a big breakfast we headed up Dolina Kościeliska (I haven't mentioned this yet but dolina means valley in Polish - so we walked up the Kościeliska valley) to Mrożna Jaskinia. This cave is the only one in the Tatra National Parks system with electricity that allows casual tourist like us to explore it without additional equipment. This, and the easy walk to the entrance, make it a popular spot for not only tourists but also youth camps. After the light fourty minute walk to the entrance we had to wait an additional fourty minutes to get to the front of the line and gain access to the cave.


Although the wait was a bit annoying we were quickly impressed by the narrow passages and interesting feel to the cave. I thought it might suck walking single file through the cave but the organization was good enough that once inside it felt as though we were in there with only a few other people. A few areas were very tight and claustrophobic, a few were huge wide open caverns, while other areas consisted of difficult climbs up or down. It was fun as I had never been in a cave like this and would now like to try one that requires spelunking gear. Here are a few of our pictures from inside.


After the thirty minute walk through the cave you exit at a different location and are forced to walk down a huge series of stairs to the valley below. At the bottom we rested along a small stream with about 60 loud Polish kids in youth camps. It is safe to say that Polish youths are as annoying as American kids. We decided to quit the shore and walk slowly down the stream away from the kids. It is a peaceful stream that is quite beautiful at many spots. Here is one such spot.


As we slowly made out way back to the car we decided to rest again in this small forest area. This particular valley, Kościeliska, is well know for its beauty as well as a starting place for adventurous who make the several day trip along the ridge line of the Tatras. I have been told this trip, going West to East, can take anywhere from three days to seven days. There are many mountain huts/lodges along the way to take shelter in. It might be fun to do this some day but not just yet.

So, a late start followed by a relaxing walk through Dolina Kościeliska and Mrożna Jaskinia. Day three was the beginning of the end for our more active days but we are both quite pleased with what we did and saw. As before here is a map of Day Three.