Cesky Krumlov and Climbing to Klet
The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for.
~ Louis L’Amour
We went on a 4-mile hike through the low hills surrounding Cesky Krumlov today and trekked to the top of Klet Mountain, about 1,000 meters above sea level. We packed a light lunch and our journals and had hoped to hang out up there for a few hours this afternoon, but the weather had other plans. We started about 10 am under overcast skies, the drips began about halfway up the steep climb, and by the time we reached the top a strong steady rain was falling. We ate our cheese sandwiches and granola bars under the shelter of a summer restaurant/lodge, took a few photos and began the return trip — a fast, soggy decent. Despite the rain, I still loved every minute of the invigorating hike, the serene landscape and the silence. It was delightful to hear only the soft bubble of mountain streams, the pitter patter of falling rain and the crunch of earth beneath our feet — a wonderfully peaceful hike, a great workout for our legs, and of course, by the time we got back to town around 2:30 pm, the sun was shining and we were all dry 🙂
I am enjoying Cesky Krumlov much more than I thought I would. This place is a tourist magnet, so I was hesitant to come, but we have hit it a week before the official tourist season kicks off and are able to enjoy quiet cozy cafes and nearly deserted streets in the evening. A few tour buses come through during the day, but we really have the place to ourselves, which is just how I like it. This place must be mobbed in summer and I would not come then, it is much too small to handle throngs of tourists. That said, this charming village has got a hold on me…and so I’m staying for a few days longer. CJ leaves for Vienna tomorrow but I will stay here for at least two more days. I’ve got lots of reading and writing to catch up on, some travel articles and hostel reviews to work on, and of course, more travel planning! The internet is cheap here and the cafes are empty, and our hostel, Krumlov House, is rustic and magical in a very comforting way. Completely different than our last hostel, the new urban-chic Czech Inn in Prague, but just as charming in its own special way…so I will linger. As the half-way point of my European adventure approaches, I really feel the need to slow things down more often, and this place is perfect for now.
Tags: cesky krumlov, Czech Republic, Europe 2006, Quotes, Tag Index
Kel
April 26th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
Hi Kel,
So great to hear about your latest adventures! Sounds like you are having a fantastic time and making the most of it!!! We really are enjoying your writing about your travels…all this from a little gal in pigtails who wouldn’t eat pizza:)
We miss you and love ya!!
Morgan gang
May 1st, 2006 at 5:12 am
[…] Cesky Krumlov and Climbing to Klet […]
May 9th, 2006 at 6:17 pm
We loved Cesky Krumlov and the Krumlov house! That week there was one of our favorites!
May 10th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Ray, it was one of my favs too, and I didnt write nearly enough about my week there and how much I enjoyed this hostel. It was almost a kind of retreat house, a true community living environment with great folks, a really nice kitchen and cozy living room too!