2013_09_27 Friday: Kazbegi (Juta)

Today was an easy hike day. We left at 10:15 with a jeep driver to a place called Juta, southeast of Kazbegi. The road there passes through Sno valley, which is very impressive. It is said that the typical hike is about 3 hours. It is not circular, so one needs to track back the same way. I figured we might need more than 3 hours, so we told the driver we'd be back 4 hours later. We started to walk at 11:15.

Cow by the name of "Muuu"

Mr. Horse

This hike was special in that it was actually relatively properly marked. In Georgian standards it was exceptionally well marked.

Actual mark!

We bumped into an Israeli couple after 1:45 hours, who decided to proceed no further. Since Sharon was more than happy to head back, I suggested she join the couple and return with them, while I proceeded on my own. Further, I seized the opportunity and had her tell the driver I'd be back at 16:45 (instead of the original 15:15 plan), and if more $$ were needed for that then so be it. It's important to understand that the weather was fantastic (not something to be taken for granted in this area), and the views awesome. So I thought it would be a great pity not to hike some more. 

So I went on my merry way for a while longer. It was well worth the walking. I got close to the snow and hiked off the trail (for just a bit). It was quite lovely indeed. Along the way I met a Polish guy who told me that three Pols died the day before yesterday somewhere in the Kazbegi region. Two fell down the mountain, while the third froze to death (yeap, it's pretty cold here, especially at night). This explained the helicopter we saw yesterday. 

Chilling

Anyway, the return was faster than I thought and so I made it back to the jeep at 16:00. Arrived to the hotel by 16:45 or so.  It should be pointed out that today cannot be considered a real hiking day. Since a real hike requires real difficulty, tired feet, and the occasional feeling of "why the hell am I doing this shit?!". So today would be better described as a nice walk in the park.

Where the jeep waited

In the evening after some picture taking, we headed to the town center for some overpriced, non-tasty food (the bottled water was fine though).

Hands up in the air 

Jump around