Jánošíkove Diery and a BBQ

Near Terchová, Slovakia - June 14

The next morning, Eva and Táňa took us to another hiking location, Jánošíkove Diery.

For those of you who read our blog from when we lived and taught in Slovakia for two years, these trails will seem similar to those we hiked in Slovenský Raj, or "Slovak Paradise", with the many ladders and bridges.

Such a fun day of hiking!

Many stairs and ladders to take us up right alongside beautiful mountain waterfalls!

Part of the hike was up through the forest - so peaceful!

Hikers world-wide like to leave their marks on nature by creating these rock cairns.

The trails got a little steeper and more difficult later on, and we definitely needed these cables anchored into the rocks to climb up some places!

We had to duck down below this rock in order to get up to the staircase here!  (notice Tim)

The waterfalls were so beautiful as we followed them along the trail!

A view from a lookout point

Our fearless leader, Eva, blazing the trail up the hill through the forest.

We finally arrived at this mountain meadow with beautiful views below us.

We stopped to enjoy the scenic views while eating the lunches we'd packed.  Simple food (and dark chocolate) always tastes delicious on a hike in the mountains!!  

Another beautiful view from the meadow

Selfie time!!   :-)

The girls with a big rock in the background.  This area was near where Janošik, (the Slovak "Robin Hood") was born.  

It was fun hiking through the narrow canyon trails.

Tim above the stream that carved out the canyon

Zavažna Poruba, Slovakia - June 14

After the hike, we returned to the Kozak home in Zavažna Poruba, where Jano and the kids had prepared a barbecue for the whole gang!  

The food was delicious, and the fellowship and conversation were wonderful the whole evening!  

Juraj and his girlfriend, Martina and her boyfriend, Táňa, me, Tim, Ivan, and Eva enjoying a bountiful meal .....

.....  And Jano grilling the meats!

It was a wonderful three days with Eva and Táňa and their families, and it was tough to say good-bye.  But we've already skyped since then, and we are so grateful to have had time together in Slovakia!