This time Lebanon surprised us with terrible weather. We experienced very heavy rain, hiked through snow, fog and crossed rushing streams. Despite this, it was nice and we could also experience Lebanese hospitality and wonderful people. We invite you to a movie:
Lebanese Trail day 3
Stage: Qamouua - Quemmamine
Day distance: 34km
Total: 81km
When we set out on the trail, the sky was very cloudy. After a few hundred meters, it started to rain. Rain, heavy clouds and strong wind accompanied us almost until the end of today's hike. For the first kilometers, the trail was constantly uphill, and along the way we encountered snow. Despite the difficulties, we managed to climb to an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level, but a long and arduous descent awaited us.
At an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, the first views appeared, which gave us strength to continue our hike. Before arriving at our first village today, we had to cross a raging river. After reaching the village, we found accommodation with a Muslim family who treated us to delicious dishes. Some of them were specially prepared for Ramadan. We decided to spend the night with these people.
It was a difficult day, but thanks to our perseverance and determination, we managed to make it all the way safely. The conditions were really difficult today, no phone reception, rain, wind and very cold weather took their toll on us. I'm even more glad that we found a safe place and can rest.
Lebanese Trail, day 4 and 5
Stage: Quemmamine - Kfar Bebnine
Daily distance: 12 km
Total: 93km
After a delicious breakfast, I said goodbye to my hosts and together with Habcia we set off on the trail. After leaving the village, we started climbing very steeply uphill. In a distance of about 1.5-2 km we gained over 500 m in altitude. After about an hour we entered the cloud. After another dozen or so minutes it started to rain. The path led through charming rocks and low forests. Unfortunately, there was no chance to admire the views that are supposedly beautiful here. When we crossed the small waterfall, it was already falling apart. I was literally soaked down to my panties. The camera was flooded and it was impossible to film. We managed to reach the village and when we were walking down the street, soaking wet, I was approached by a woman who, seeing "two misfortunes", invited us to her house. She said we needed to dry off. I had to undress and then the woman hung my clothes on plastic chairs that stood around a simple stove. I got a sweatshirt and sweatpants to change into and a lot of delicious food. The woman also told me that I could spend the night next door in the empty building. I was given two warm blankets and a bed. In the evening, a lot of people came and after Azan announced the sunset, we sat down to eat together. Together because in one room, but there were two tables. One for women, the other for men. The food was delicious and eaten with these people it took on a completely different meaning. I felt moved and grateful that I met Angels on my way once again. During dinner, a very happy situation happened because they turned on the electricity for about an hour. So you could sit in a well-lit room and recharge some of the batteries. After 10 p.m. we went to bed.
When I woke up in the morning and went outside, I was a little shocked. There was snow lying around the house from last night. Moreover, lightning lit up half the night and thunder made it difficult to fall asleep. The weather forecast predicted even worse conditions than yesterday. So I asked if I could stay a day longer. Going to the mountains in such conditions was not a good idea. The hostess, of course, agreed and treated me to a delicious breakfast. A little later, when it stopped raining, I went for a short walk around the neighborhood. Not much here. A few streets and houses, a church and a mosque. I found out that I can charge my phone at school. When I reached the building, it turned out that the school was under construction. However, the employees who were there warming themselves by the fire started the generator and charged my phone a little. While I was sitting with them, one of the workers intoned a song and we started dancing, clapping and singing. Someone made a drum out of an empty paint container and beat the rhythm of the song.
However, the party ended quickly because the boys were finishing work for the day.
So I'm back to my temporary home and resting. Tomorrow we're back on the trail.
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/ wibracjezycia
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7 сен 2024
