I invite you to another section of the trail. This time, Lebanon opened up access to the Wadi Qadisha valley for me. In the valley there is the bed of the Kadisha River, which in the vicinity of Tripoli is called Nahr Abu Ali. Kadisha means holiday in Aramaic. The valley is called sacred due to the location of many Christian monastic communities over the centuries.
Lebanese Trail day 8
Stage: Ehden - Qannoubine Monastery
Daily distance: 25km
Total: 173km
Today we set off on the trail later. After waking up early, we went into town to visit the oldest Maronite church in the Middle East, built in 749. Unfortunately, we couldn't go inside. So we returned to our lodgings, having previously stopped by the shop. I packed my backpack and we headed out of town. However, we didn't go too far, because I received an invitation to Easter breakfast from one of the residents. Today, Maronites celebrate the commemoration of the Resurrection.
After a pleasant time, we started a steep descent down the valley. At one point we had to go down a very steep section near the waterfall. The descent was so steep that you had to use chains. Unfortunately, here Habi got very scared and didn't want to go any further. I had to climb back up to calm her down a bit and then went down again. After a few minutes, the dog overcame his fear and ran downstairs. Then we crossed the river and continued hiking. Another obstacle appeared before us. This time we had to climb a ladder. I had to grab Habi and throw her upstairs. It worked 😁
Then it was a pleasant road to the monastery. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to visit it inside because people kept chasing the dog away. So I took a few shots from the outside and we continued on our way. The trail led along the slope of the Wadi Qannoubine valley. The path was quite comfortable. We went down, once up, admiring the views. At some point I heard a bang. It turned out that in front of us a waterfall was roaring like a wild one from above. If we had followed the trail, the water would have carried us down. Apparently the melting snow caused the water to fall in such huge amounts. We had to retreat and look for a convenient passage lower. We managed to cross the rushing river and return to the trail via a steep climb.
Since it was getting late, I decided to find a place for a tent or a shepherd's hut. However, the accommodation found us on its own. Passing by another monastery, I saw a light on in the window. So we went up the stairs and it turned out that there were people there. Apart from that, you can stay overnight there as usual. However, due to a large trip from France, there were no more beds available. The sister who welcomed me asked if I had a sleeping bag. When I replied that I had, she took me to the chapel and told me that I could sleep here. I haven't had such an overnight stay before 😅
Lebanese Trail day 9
Stage: Qannoubine Monastery - somewhere in the mountains 😊
Daily distance: 26km
Total: 199km
In the morning we woke up to the monastery bells. Reluctantly, I got out of my sleeping bag and started packing my stuff. In the monastery kitchen, I managed to charge my phone a little and eat breakfast.
We set off on the trail. The path was quite pleasant at first. However, at some point the trail turned left and we started a steep climb. Out of breath, we left the valley and entered the city. There is, of course, standard shopping and street food 😀
I also decided to ask about a pet store and a veterinarian. I finally wanted to buy a collar for Habi. Unfortunately, no one was able to help me. At one point I saw an industrial store with various items. I went in and asked about things for the dog. The friendly saleswoman smiled warmly and brought what I needed. Habi did not protest when the collar was put on and later she walked politely through the city on a leash. After all, no one chased her away.
At the end of the city we passed the museum, unfortunately closed, and then it was another steep uphill ride. Further on, the trail was a bit gentler but continued to climb uphill. After a few kilometers we reached the cedar reserve. Unfortunately, we couldn't enter here either because the park was open until 4 p.m. We had to take a nasty route around the reserve to reach the trail (the trail runs through the reserve so we had to go a long way up the hill without a path)
After another few kilometers of a wonderful path, sometimes crossing snow, we reached a small lake. Since the sun had already set, I decided to set up camp on the terrace of the cottage on the shore of the lake. The hut is at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. I'm already in my sleeping bag and I think I'll fall asleep soon.
7 сен 2024
