A free Tuesday because of a national holiday was enough of an excuse. On Monday evening, Vesko, Toni and I took the car, drove towards Pirin, pitched the tent and spent the night in the mountains.
The next morning started simply: oats, fruit, packing everything away, leaving no trace behind us, and heading for Vihren.
The climb itself was about 4.5 kilometres with roughly 1,100 metres of elevation gain. About three hours and twenty minutes later, we were standing at 2,914 metres.
September had already started changing the mountain. We encountered a little snow on the way up, and by the summit it was properly cold. Luckily, all three of us had gloves, so we only almost froze.
Vihren is one of those hikes that gives you a lot without being particularly long. There is enough technical terrain to keep it interesting, and as you climb higher, Pirin just keeps opening around you. Rock, ridges, snow and enormous views in every direction.
Somewhere along the way, we met a Czech group making their own way through the mountain. We shared a little of that strange, temporary companionship you sometimes find on a trail, then continued upward.
For the descent, we completed the same circular route I had walked earlier in the year. The difference was strange to see. Back then, winter was disappearing from the mountain. The snow was melting and rain had begun to take its place. Now summer was ending, and the snow was returning.
Same mountain. Same trail. Completely different day.
More than anything, though, I was simply happy. Happy to be outside again. Happy to spend the day walking with my friends. Happy to feel that enjoyment of the world return after getting away from everything else for a while.
After the descent, we reached Vihren Hut, sat down for some beans with mushrooms and a meatball, and eventually made our way back to the car.
No enormous expedition this time. Just three friends, a tent, a mountain, the first hints of winter and a Tuesday very well spent.
I'm glad I was there.